Concerning chemicals found in headphones and earphones

An investigation conducted in several European countries has raised concerns about the chemical composition of many headphones and earphones sold to the general public. Carried out as part of the European ToxFREE LIFE for All program, the study examined 81 models from leading brands on the market. The verdict: all the devices analyzed contained substances considered to be of concern for human health, including endocrine disruptors found in the plastics, foams, and coatings of the equipment.

Researchers identified several families of chemical compounds regularly flagged by health authorities: bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS, chlorinated paraffins, and brominated flame retardants. According to analyses reported by consumer associations involved in the project, 98% of the models contained bisphenol A, and a large majority also contained BPS, a substitute that is itself now controversial. The tested devices came from both major international brands and low-cost online retailers such as Temu and Shein.

Premium brands are also affected

The study highlights that high-end products are not immune. Models from Apple, Sony, Bose, Samsung, Sennheiser, and Razer were among those analyzed. Some headphones and earphones reportedly showed particularly high concentrations of contaminants in their ear pads, cables, or external plastic components, raising concerns among several European retailers. In the Netherlands, in particular, some retailers have reportedly begun quietly removing several models from their catalogs.

Scientists clarify that no immediate danger has been demonstrated for users, but they are concerned about the effects of repeated and prolonged exposure. Direct skin contact, combined with body heat and perspiration, could promote the gradual migration of certain molecules into the body. The authors of the study are now calling for stricter European standards on consumer electronics, while several associations recommend limiting prolonged headphone use and favoring materials with less plastic content whenever possible.