UK researchers have launched what is expected to be the world’s biggest study into the effects of mobile phone radiation.
Researchers will assess 200,000 mobile users aged 18-69 in five European countries over the next 20-30 years in a bid to give a definitive view on whether handsets cause cancer and other health problems.
The Cohort Study on Mobile Communications (COSMOS) study is expected to cost £5-£7 million ($7.7-$10.8m) in its first five years, and will be jointly funded by the UK government and the mobile phone industry.
It is being driven by the UK Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) program, which was set up in the wake of the Stewart Report into the effects of mobile phone use ten years ago.
Although the subject has already been heavily researched, scientists say the timeframe of previous studies was too short the BBC said.
Although evidence from earlier studies did not indicate a risk of brain cancer or other effects in the short-term, “the widespread use of mobile phones is relatively recent and there is continuing uncertainty about longer-term risks,” MTHR said.
The study will also look into possible links to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson Disease.
The UK component of the study will cost £3.1 million ($4.8m).