Sunday, Apr. 10, 2005

Numbers

74% Estimated percentage of silicone breast implants that rupture within 10 years of insertion

13 Years since the Food and Drug Administration banned silicone implants for breast enhancement, citing health concerns; the agency meets this week to discuss lifting the ban

22.2% Percentage of young adults who are homeless within one year of leaving foster care

25.2% Percentage who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a survey of 479 former foster children

$7 billion Estimated amount of Social Security taxes paid each year by illegal immigrants, even though they will not receive benefits

10% Estimated percentage of last year's Social Security surplus made up by those illegal immigrants' tax contributions

$1.5 billion Estimated amount illegal immigrants pay each year in taxes for Medicare, for which they are also ineligible

40% Percentage of Americans who say tax season is the most stressful time of year

49% Percentage who say the winter holiday season is the most stressful

Sources: New York Times (2); Casey Family Programs/ Harvard Medical School (2); New York Times (3); Harris Interactive (2)