Valuing a reduction in the risk of miscarriage

Exposure to harmful environmental contaminants and chemicals – including arsenic, lead, mercury, benzene and PFAS – is associated with the increased risk of miscarriage. Many hazardous substances are subject to regulation, or may be considered for regulation, to reduce exposure and prevent human health risks. However, valuation estimates for reduced risk of miscarriage that can be used in cost-benefit analyses are lacking, particularly willingness-to-pay estimates. The Surveys on Willingness to Pay to Avoid Negative Chemicals-Related Health Effects (SWACHE) project attempts 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 this effort, the current paper reports on a new stated preference study examining individuals’ willingness-to-pay to reduce their risk of miscarriage across nine countries (Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States). In so doing, it fills an important gap in the valuation literature and provides valuation estimates for use in applied benefits analysis to inform chemicals regulation.