W000315
Monday, November 12, 2001 9:47 AM
value of a life
When I worked for the USEPA, there was a value of , I believe, 2 million dollars placed on the value of a human life for Risk Assessment purposes. This was some time ago, and I believe associated with the program of toxics in drinking water or hazard from exposure to chemical hazardous wastes.
Values or formulas devised by DOJ for the Sept. 11 situation better be consistent with other applications throughout the government. Lawyers just love precedents! A life is a life. Is the value different based on exposure to an acute tragedy or a long term chronic exposure? Calculation based on current and/or future earning potential must be done carefully, and I vote for being on the low side. Just because a person has a current high salary(comparatively) doesn't necessarily mean s/he is more valuable than the next person, or even is going to enjoy a continuing steep pay increase. I am a prime example, after layoffs, personal problems, etc. The precedent of assigning a dollar value to a person, I think is something government should not do. This morning's newspaper article mentioned reimbursement based on needs of the survivor, or family. I think this is irrelevant. Thank you.
Individual Comment
Mohrsville, PA