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Independent assessment of bone marrow radiation shielding for nuclear survivability

Division A · Title XVI: Space Activities, Strategic Programs, and Intelligence Matters · Subtitle C: Nuclear Forces

Plain-language summaryAI

The Department of Defense will arrange for an independent scientific study to determine if protecting bone marrow with partial body radiation shielding can help people survive exposure to gamma radiation better than without such protection. The study will review scientific research and data to assess how this shielding affects the chances and severity of radiation sickness and overall survival rates. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress within 150 days of the law's enactment.

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Section Text · Sec. 1639.
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(a) Assessment required

Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs shall seek to enter into an agreement with a University Affiliated Research Center affiliated with United States Strategic Command to conduct an independent scientific assessment on whether preserving the viability of bone marrow using partial body radiation shielding can improve the survivability of an individual exposed to gamma radiation as compared to an individual without such protection.

(b) Elements

The assessment required under subsection (a) shall examine peer-reviewed scientific literature, laboratory studies and relevant experimental data to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of preserving bone marrow using partial body radiation shielding with respect to—

(1)

the likelihood of developing Acute Radiation Syndrome;

(2)

the severity of Acute Radiation Syndrome when it occurs; and

(3)

overall mortality rates following gamma radiation exposure.

(c) Report

Not later than 150 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the assessment required under subsection (a) that includes the findings of such assessment.