During 1990, smoking caused 418,890 deaths in the United States. Of these deaths, cardiovascular disease accounted for 179,820, cancer for 151,322, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema for 84,475. Find the probability that a smoking-related death was the result of either emphysema or cancer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The probability of a smoking-related death being the result of either emphysema or cancer is the sum of the probabilities of each of these causes. The probability of death from emphysema is 84,475/418,890 = 0.202, and the probability of death from cancer is 151,322/418,890 = 0.361. Therefore, the probability of death from either emphysema or cancer is 0.202 + 0.361 = 0.563.

During 1990, Smoking Caused 418,890 Deaths in the United States