The value of statistical life (VSL) is one of the more controversial issues in benefit-cost analysis for health and safety policy and regulation. At the same time, it is one of the most important numbers in BCA – sometimes referred to as the most important – because it expresses something highly valuable in monetary terms. We won’t pose specific questions for this discussion, but please read each contribution and evaluate them from the perspective of benefit-cost analysis, including their relative merits and how might BCA practices – as you’ve become aware of them through the class – can, should, or should not be modified to accommodate them.
