The Most Unusual Deaths By State, In One Map

What are the most distinctive deaths by state? Researcher Francis Boscoe of the New York State Cancer Registry set out to answer that question by analyzing the deaths in each state from 2001 to 2010. Out of a total 136 causes of death, Boscoe pinpointed the number one reason people in different states died that was distinct from the United States’ general population. Now keep in mind that these aren’t the most common deaths in each state. Instead, think of these deaths as the ones that a state had in a disproportionately high number compared to the national average. The map, Boscoe explained, is a good way to illuminate potential hidden health care disparities or crises in different states. For instance, Florida had 15,000 deaths from HIV, while Texas had 679 deaths from tuberculosis. The causes of death also call attention to special hazards that can come from living in certain states; both Alaska and Idaho had unusually high death numbers caused by air and water accidents, while coal-mining states like West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania had unusually high numbers of deaths caused by pneumoconiosis -- otherwise known as Black Lung Disease -- and other chemical effects. Disturbingly, three states (Oregon, Nevada and New Mexico) had unusually high numbers of deaths caused by "legal intervention," or deaths caused by law enforcement. Other notable insights include the fact that Michigan had largest number of unusual deaths recorded: 37,292 deaths from “athe...
Source: Science - The Huffington Post - Category: Science Source Type: news