The Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) is a number used in cost-benefit calculations to assess how much it would be worth to spend to avoid one death. The EPA uses a VSL of $7.6 million. Your friend says that human life should never have a dollar value on it, and that – when evaluating policy – even one death is too many. Do you agree with your friend, and why or why not? Is there a point to the VSL, or is it always immoral to value human lives with dollars?

Q&A Education