Table 2.
Sensitivity analysis: cost of anthropogenic methyl mercury exposure.
| Variable | Base-case cost estimate (range)a |
|---|---|
| Children born to women with Hg > 4.84 μg/L, effect > 3.5 μg/L | |
| Logarithmic model | $8.7 billion ($4.9–13.9 billion) |
| Linear model, cord:maternal Hg ratio = 1.7 | $32.9 billion ($20.9–43.8 billion) |
| Linear model, cord:maternal Hg ratio = 1 | $19.3 billion ($12.3–25.8 billion) |
| Children born to women with > 5.8 μg/L, effect > 4.84 μg/L | |
| Logarithmic model | $3.9 billion ($2.2–6.3 billion) |
| Linear model, cord:maternal Hg ratio = 1.7 | $18.7 billion ($11.9–24.9 billion) |
| Linear model, cord:maternal Hg ratio = 1 | $11.0 billion ($7.0–14.6 billion) |
| Range of estimates | |
| Logarithmic model | $2.2–13.9 billion |
| Linear model | $7.0–43.8 billion |
Assumptions: EAF = 70%, main consequence = loss of IQ over lifetime.
a
Based on range of possible IQ decrement:increase cord blood mercury.