Researching Human Exposure to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation (H.R. 35)

What is H.R. 35?

(Updated August 18, 2017)

This bill commissions two studies to be conducted: One on the effects of human exposure to low-dose radiation and one on the status of other research on the topic. These study would be spearheaded by the Director of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science, with the assistance of the National Academies for the study on current research on low-dose radiation.

The studies would be required to:

• Identify current difficulties in understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation;
• Assess the status of current low-dose radiation research;
• Create goals for the future of low-dose radiation research;
• Recommend a long-term research agenda to meet the identified research goals;
• Define the components of a research program that would follow this agenda within universities and the National Laboratories; and
• Assess the effectiveness of such a program.

After the studies were finished, the Secretary of Energy would give a report to Congress detailing a 5-year plan in line with the recommendations made by the studies. Additionally, the DOE's human research limitations wouldn't apply for the studies commissioned by the bill.

Argument in favor

Thousands of people may be at risk of developing cancer because scientists lack knowledge on the health effects of low-dose radiation.

Argument opposed

The effects of low-dose radiation are incredibly difficult to research. Exposure to low-dose radiation doesn’t pose a large enough threat to warrant a study on the subject.

Impact

People who spend time near radioactive material; the Secretary of Energy; the DOE; the National Academies; the National Laboratories; Congress.

Cost of H.R. 35

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) explained in a press release that understanding the effects of low-dose radiation would prevent unnecessary safety regulations that impede innovation:

"Innovations in medicine and manufacturing have relied on low-dose radiation to conduct X-rays and make precise measurements. When considering any regulatory approach to protecting public health, it is essential we have the science and facts straight before taking any potentially burdensome regulatory actions that could hamper future innovation."

Of Note: At high doses, ionizing radiation can cause cancer in humans. This kind of radiation — a type of energy that kills cells — is most commonly carried in x-rays, radioactive material, and nuclear reactors. Ionizing radiation in particular is high energy and can cause chemical bonds to break down and hurt human biology.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) Press Release
• U.S. Department of Energy Low-Dose Radiation Research Program FAQs
• The Hill
• Wonkette
• EPA