WASHINGTON – The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee today announced growing support for the Low Dose Radiation Research Act (H.R. 4675). This bipartisan bill, unanimously approved by the committee today, restarts the low dose radiation research program at the Energy Department.
Organizations who indicated their support for the bill include the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, and the Health Physics Society, along with leading researchers at Northwestern University and Columbia University. Keep reading to see what they’re saying.
“[G]reater knowledge is needed regarding the effects of low dose radiation; it is difficult to optimize benefit to risk when the information about potential risks is lacking… Accordingly, AAPM is pleased that the House of Representatives is considering advancing this important area of research, and we urge members to pass this bill.” -Dr. Bruce R. Thomadsen, president, American Association of Physicists in Medicine
“There is no question that the United States needs to return to our past when we dominated the world in low-dose radiation research… The Act would not only produce new knowledge on low-dose radiation effects and mechanisms, but in doing so should start replenishing the pool of radiation professionals that is essential for developing the guidelines for managing low-dose exposures and thus protecting the public and workers.” -Dr. John D. Boice Jr, president, National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
“As introduced in the House, H.R. 4675 ensures the continuation and enhancement of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Low-Dose Radiation Research Program… The United States was once the leader in radiobiology research, but due to DOE’s decision to discontinue the program, the county has fallen woefully behind, and the vast amounts of data generated by the research already performed is sitting idle, waiting for more study and analysis.” -Dr. Eric Abelquist, president, Health Physics Society
“I am writing to express strong support for the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017, H.R. 4675… [T]he United States has a critical need to enhance research on low-dose health effects as well as to ensure that the nation maintains a sufficient pool of relevant expertise.” -Dr. David J. Brenner, director, Columbia University Center for Radiological Research
“This Bill, as presented to Congress, ensures the re-invigoration of the low dose radiation research program… All of these endeavors will enable the nation to make proper decisions about radiation procedures and protection that are needed when our citizens are exposed to low dose radiation regardless of its source.” -Dr. Gayle E. Woloschak, professor, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Cell and Molecular Biology Departments, Northwestern University
Letters of support for the Low Dose Radiation Research Act can be found here:
American Association of Physicists in Medicine
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
Dr. David Brenner at Columbia University
Dr. Gayle Woloschak at Northwestern University