The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will start a study on cellphone radiation, a department spokesman said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The move builds on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s criticism linking them to neurological damage and cancer, the report added.
The HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Seeking Alpha.
Last year, the department noted that 22 states had curbed cellphone use in schools to improve the mental and physical health of children under the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also took down old webpages saying cellphones are not dangerous.
“The FDA removed webpages with old conclusions about cell phone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy,” said Andrew Nixon an HHS spokesperson.
“The study was directed by President Trump’s MAHA Commission in its strategy report,” Nixon noted.
However, some webpages of agencies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there is no scientific evidence that provides a definite answer to whether using a cell phone causes cancer. The CDC page noted that more research is needed before we know if using cell phones causes health effects.