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Age Differences in the Value of Statistical Life: Revealed Preference Evidence

Author

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  • Aldy, Joseph E.

    (Resources for the Future)

  • Viscusi, W. Kip

Abstract

Revealed preference evidence, especially based on wage-risk tradeoffs in the labor market, provides the primary empirical basis for analyses of the value of statistical life (VSL). This market evidence also provides guidance on how VSL varies with age. While labor market studies have generated conflicting evidence—some showing that VSL rises with age and others showing that VSL declines with age—more refined estimates that take into account the age variation in job fatality risks or life-cycle patterns of consumption show an inverted-U relation between the VSL and age. The value of a statistical life year shows a similar pattern and is not time-invariant. Applying estimates of the VSL-age relationship to an analysis of the Clear Skies initiative illustrates the implications of recognizing the age-VSL relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Aldy, Joseph E. & Viscusi, W. Kip, 2007. "Age Differences in the Value of Statistical Life: Revealed Preference Evidence," RFF Working Paper Series dp-07-05, Resources for the Future.
    • Handle: RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-07-05
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    File URL: http://www.rff.org/RFF/documents/RFF-DP-07-05.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Moore, Michael J & Viscusi, W Kip, 1988. "The Quantity-Adjusted Value of Life," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 26(3), pages 369-388, July.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    value of statistical life; VSL; value of statistical life year; risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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