Valuing a reduction in the risk of an underactive thyroid

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a relatively common condition resulting from exposure to a range of chemicals including phthalates, bisphenols, amitrole and polyhalogenated compounds. Many of these hazardous substances are regulated or under consideration for regulation to reduce exposure and prevent human health risks. Cost-benefit analyses are commonly used to assess the societal impacts of chemicals regulation. However, data on the health benefits of chemicals regulation – most appropriately measured in terms of willingness-to-pay – are often lacking or incomplete. The Surveys on Willingness to Pay to Avoid Negative Chemicals-Related Health Effects (SWACHE) project intends to fill this gap by establishing internationally comparable values for the willingness-to-pay to avoid negative health effects due to exposure to chemicals. As part of the SWACHE project, this paper provides findings from a stated preference survey estimating individuals’ willingness-to-pay to reduce the risk of underactive thyroid across 12 countries (Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States). It represents the first ever stated preference valuation studies assessing reductions in the risk of developing hypothyroidism, filling an important gap in the valuation literature and addressing a need for applied benefits analysis for chemicals regulation.