§360jj Studies by Secretary

Summary

The Secretary must study certain radiation safety issues and send a report to Congress by January 1, 1970, and again later when needed, including any recommendations for new laws the Secretary thinks appropriate. The studies must examine current State and Federal controls of health risks from electronic product and other ionizing radiation, including controls for radioactive materials not covered by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, gaps and inconsistencies in controls, the sale of used electronic products (especially old X‑ray machines) that are not upgraded, ways to make controls consistent and effective, how to strengthen State radiological health programs, and whether the Secretary should be allowed to make agreements with individual States or groups of States assigning responsibilities. They must also look at whether standards are needed for nonmedical electronic products used in commerce and industry, and develop practical ways to detect and measure radiation from products made or imported before any standard under this part takes effect. In doing the studies, the Secretary must invite other federal departments and agencies, State governments—especially those that regulate radioactive materials under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954—and interested professional, labor, and industry groups. If congressional committees ask, the Secretary must keep them informed and allow them to send observers to meetings. The Secretary or a person he names will organize the work, and anyone who disagrees with the findings can ask to have their dissent included in the report.