Table of Contents
The Starting Point: Baseline Data on Life and Death 7
Leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide; death rates by age, race, and state
An Actuary's Introduction By Joe Buff, MS, FSA 17
How to think about risk; a primer on probability and death statistics; data sources and data quality; key terms
Causes of Death
Natural Causes
Acute Conditions and Diseases 37
Medical events of sudden onset and brief duration, such as adverse drug reactions, intestinal obstruction, and pulmonary embolism
Chronic Diseases 57
Conditions of longer duration, such as heart disease, cancer, and dementia
Infectious Diseases 134
Disorders caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
Medical Mishaps, Malpractice, and Murder 191
The dangers of medical care (or lack thereof)
Not Dead Yet 204
Various phenomena on the borderline of life and death, such as brain death, missing persons, and zombies
Other (More or Less) Natural Causes 212
Rare phenomena such as death from fright or during sex
Substance Abuse 217
The dangers of drugs and alcohol
Contributory Factors 238
How air pollution and homelessness can contribute to deaths from natural causes.
Everything Else
Accidental Harm and Injury
Acts of God and Nature 245
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanoes
Animal Attacks 272
Including by livestock, pets, and wild animals
At Home 284
Accidental deaths occurring in the home, such as from falls, poisoning, and house fires
On the Go 336
The hazards of different modes of transport, including cars, trains, and airplanes
On the Job 426
The hazards of various agricultural, manufacturing, service, and knowledge occupations
At Play 489
The hazards of sports and pastimes ranging from miniature golf to tackle football
In the Great Outdoors 574
The hazards of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting
Judicial and State Actions
Law and Disorder 597
Dangers associated with law enforcement and the penal system
National Security and Insecurity 609
Deaths on the border; due to terrorism; and due to war
Intentional Harm and Injury
Homicide 617
Murders examined by motive, means, and demographic factors
Suicide 636
Fatal self-harm examined by motive, method, and demographic factors
Suggested Reading 651
Index of Causes of Death 652
