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Sunday, August 10, 2003

Statistical Myopia

During the anthrax scare, the media coverage and general hysteria were remarkable. I realize it was serious business -- striking unsuspecting folk through the mail -- but in the end, it was five lives.

Yes, every death is tragic -- but it blew me away how much attention, money, and other societal resources were expended when compared to other issues with higher death tolls. My pet number in this instance was the 36,000 annual influenza fatalities.

I've ranted before about this statistical myopia -- but I was comparing drunk driving fatalities to second hand smoking deaths. That particular Bohica posting -- Smokers Suck, Continued -- is again relevant what with the wishy washy smoking ban passed last week.

All this floated to the surface tonight while reading an opinion piece over at the NY Times -- Never Bitten, Twice Shy: The Real Dangers of Summer. This quote in particular: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day last year, major American newspapers and wire services ran 2,240 articles on West Nile virus, which kills fewer than 300 Americans a year, while there were 257 articles on food poisoning, which will kill more than 5,000 of us (beware that potato salad!).

Puts it all in perspective.