IL HR0155

Urges the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs to conduct a thorough study of depleted uranium exposure effects on Illinois servicemembers and veterans

Notes that depleted uranium is used in U.S. military tank armor and ammunition and has 40% less radioactivity than natural uranium but identical chemical toxicity

Details exposure risks for veterans of Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn through vehicle impacts, fires, and salvage operations

References case of Pfc. Aaron Barnes from Fulton County who developed rare kidney cancer after Iraq deployments and died August 24, 2011, despite initial VA dismissal of depleted uranium exposure concerns

Acknowledges servicemembers have faced difficulties navigating VA testing and treatment for suspected depleted uranium exposure