Risk Anal. 1990 Mar;10(1):147-59. doi: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.1990.tb01029.x.

Mortality risks induced by economic expenditures.

Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis

R L Keeney

PMID: 2184470 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.1990.tb01029.x

Abstract

Existing evidence shows that lower incomes are associated with higher mortality risks. This paper examines the implications for fatalities when the relationship is interpreted as an induced relationship, meaning that lower incomes will on average lead to higher mortality risks. A model is developed for estimating the number of fatalities possibly induced by economic expenditures. This model accounts for different allocations of the expenditures on family units with varying income levels. Illustrative calculations provide insights about the possible significance of fatalities induced by economic expenditures. These results suggest that some expensive regulations and programs intended to save lives may actually lead to increased fatalities. Important caveats to reduce the likelihood of misinterpreting or misusing the results are included.

Keywords: Americas; Demographic Factors; Developed Countries; Differential Mortality; Economic Factors; Income; Models, Theoretical; Mortality; North America; Northern America; Policy; Population; Population Dynamics; Research Methodology; Social Policy; Socioeconomic Factors; United States

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MeSH terms

• Costs and Cost Analysis
• Economics*
• Humans
• Income
• Legislation as Topic / economics
• Models, Theoretical
• Mortality*
• Risk Factors
• Socioeconomic Factors

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
• Review

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