Mobiles are a must-have accessory for today's teenagers but young people may face more danger than adults from radiation.

Peacehaven-based Dane Europe offers advice on mobile phone emissions and sells protection devices.

The company plans to send leaflets to schools across the county this autumn with information on the potential threat posed by electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones.

Sales director Tony Bingham said: "Mobile phones emit microwave radiation in the same way as a microwave oven does, although with a much lower output.

"There are plenty of household devices that emit electromagnetic waves, such as televisions and computers, but the mobile phone is the only one we intentionally hold up to the side of our head.

"We want to break through the hysteria surrounding this issue to help people decide if they want to use phone-safety devices."

Dane Europe collates research material from around the world to provide a different perspective on the health threat of mobile phones.

Mr Bingham said: "There have been various studies conducted, which state young people and children are more susceptible to the waves because they are still growing.

"Studies include people reporting a warming sensation down the side of the face because of heat generated by the phone and fears about tumours.

"Some tests suggest phone usage can lead to short-term memory loss while others report heightened awareness due to the electric waves interfering with the brain waves.

"At any one time, there are more than 50 studies taking place about these issues and much of the information is conflicting. There is no definitive scientific statement about the danger, if any, posed by the use of mobile phones."

The company sells wave blocker devices that can be attached to phones to reduce the amount of electromagnetic waves reaching the brain.

The devices look like shiny buttons the size of a throat lozenge and are stuck over the ear piece.

Mr Bingham said: "The devices deflect and absorb much of the radiation but can't block it out 100 per cent. They stop the radiation from going into the head by dispersing it away from the body.

"In years to come, it may prove this precaution was inadequate or it might show there was never any danger but in the meantime, people can choose to have some peace of mind by using these devices.

"We also recommend people take common-sense precautions such as only using a phone when necessary and not for hours on end.

"If you feel your face getting hot, cut back usage and always use a hands-free set when in a vehicle."

Health scares have not deterred people from using mobiles with more than 40 million people in the UK owning a handset.

Mr Bingham said: "Without a doubt, mobile phones have saved lives by letting people in danger call for help.

"You see these stories in the paper ever day, people being saved from fires or cliff edges.

"Mobiles have changed the way we communicate and this change is bound to accelerate as technology races forward.

"It's not going to be long until we will be video conferencing and accessing the internet in full colour from our phones.

"At Dane Europe, phone provision is a core area of our services and we are not in the business of deterring people from using mobiles. We advocate sensible use not total abstinence."

Dane Europe was established in 1999. It provides communications systems advice to businesses and the public sector offering deals with all the major phone networks.

www.dane-europe.co.uk