The widespread use of headphones has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of people around the world relying on them for work, entertainment, and relaxation. However, a recent investigation by the ToxFREE project has uncovered a disturbing truth: every single pair of headphones tested contained substances hazardous to human health.
According to the research, which was conducted in partnership with central European civil society groups, the hazardous substances found in headphones include chemicals that can cause cancer, neurodevelopmental problems, and the feminisation of males. The investigation tested 81 pairs of in-ear and over-ear headphones, including products from market-leading brands such as Bose, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sennheiser.
Karolína Brabcová, a chemical expert at Arnika, part of the ToxFree LIFE for All project, warned that these chemicals are not just additives, but may be migrating from the headphones into our bodies. She explained that daily use, especially during exercise when heat and sweat are present, accelerates this migration directly to the skin.
The Prevalence of Hazardous Chemicals
The research found that bisphenol A (BPA) appeared in 98% of samples, and its substitute, bisphenol S (BPS), was found in more than three-quarters. These synthetic chemicals, used to stiffen plastic, mimic the action of oestrogen inside organisms, causing a range of adverse effects including the feminisation of males, early onset puberty in girls, and cancer.
Phthalates, potent reproductive toxins that can impair fertility, were also found in the headphones tested, as well as chlorinated paraffins, which have been linked to liver and kidney damage. Additionally, brominated and organophosphate flame retardants, which have similar endocrine disrupting properties to bisphenols, were detected in some of the samples.
A Global Health Concern
The findings of the ToxFREE project are part of a larger concern over the potential impacts of synthetic chemicals on human health and the environment. Many chemicals, such as bisphenols, phthalates, and poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), have been discovered to have drastic biological effects, despite their widespread use in consumer goods.
Researchers say that while individual doses from particular sources may be low, a "cocktail effect" of daily, multi-source exposure poses potentially severe long-term risks to health. The ToxFREE project's investigation into headphones is the third undertaken by the organisation, which has previously found bisphenol A in baby dummies and toxic chemicals in women's underpants.
Calling for Change
Campaigners are calling for broad bans on whole classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in consumer goods and greater transparency from manufacturers about what is in their products. As Karolína Brabcová noted, there is no "safe" level for endocrine disruptors that mimic our natural hormones, and the long-term exposures, especially for vulnerable groups like teenagers, are of great concern.
The investigation's findings have significant implications for public health, and it is essential that manufacturers and regulatory bodies take action to address the issue. As the use of headphones continues to grow, it is crucial that we prioritise the health and well-being of consumers and work towards creating safer, more sustainable products.
