H.R. 10483: Bone Marrow Radiation Shielding Act

This bill would require the Department of Defense to arrange an independent scientific study on whether protecting a person’s bone marrow from some radiation exposure can improve survival after exposure to gamma radiation.

What it would require

• Within 30 days after enactment, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs would need to seek an agreement with a University Affiliated Research Center connected to U.S. Strategic Command.
• That research center would conduct an independent assessment of whether partial body radiation shielding that helps preserve bone marrow can improve survivability compared with no such protection.

What the study would examine

The assessment would review peer-reviewed scientific literature, laboratory studies, and relevant experimental data to look at:

• Whether shielding bone marrow lowers the chance of developing Acute Radiation Syndrome
• Whether it reduces the severity of Acute Radiation Syndrome
• Whether it lowers overall death rates after gamma radiation exposure

Reporting requirement

Within 150 days after enactment, the Assistant Secretary would have to submit a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees describing the findings of the assessment.

Practical effect

The bill does not itself create radiation shielding equipment standards, require the military to buy anything, or change service member benefits. Instead, it directs the Defense Department to commission and report on research that could inform future decisions about nuclear survivability and protective equipment.

Relevant Companies

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