FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6520

                              C 173 L 90

BYSenators Lee, Talmadge, Anderson, Sutherland, Patrick, Thorsness, Barr, McMullen, Williams and Bauer

Giving the department of health responsibility for matters relating to nonionizing radiation.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Office of Radiation Protection within the Department of Health is the state agency primarily responsible for regulating and tracking issues related to ionizing radiation.

Presently no state agency has specific authority to follow issues relating to non-ionizing radiation.  Sources of non-ionizing radiation include electric power lines, electric blankets, ultrasound equipment and laser lights.

There is some evidence that exposure to certain levels of non-ionizing radiation may cause health effects.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Radiation Protection is designated as the lead state agency responsible for following the issues surrounding non-ionizing radiation.  The Office of Radiation Protection is directed to:  concentrate on issues surrounding electric and magnetic fields; serve as a state clearinghouse for information on this topic; maintain current information on studies pertaining to the health effects of non-ionizing radiation; and to periodically inform other state agencies regarding this topic.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   47    0

     House 92  5

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990