What hazardous chemicals are in headphones?

Woman wearing headphones — Image by Cybernews

When testing 81 headphone models, researchers found that every pair contained hazardous materials dangerous to human health. Even fan favorites such as Samsung, Bose, and Marshall were on the list.

Researchers analyzed 81 headphone models and found that all of them contained chemicals dangerous to human health.
Well-known brands like Samsung, Bose, and Panasonic were among the companies on the list.
Certain “endocrine disruptors” and their substitutes were found in 177 of 180 samples tested. These can cause reproductive issues, metabolic problems, early puberty in girls, and even cancer.
Because headphones maintain prolonged skin contact, harmful chemicals can migrate from the device into the body.
The issue extends beyond headphones. Some smartwatch bands contain "forever chemicals" that can harm the immune system, thyroid, and liver.

Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.

It’s well known that excessive use of technology can pose risks to our health, such as deteriorating eyesight, back problems, reduced sleep quality due to blue light, increased anxiety, and more.

However, since it doesn’t happen overnight, we may not bat an eye at how it happens.

A recent investigation by the ToxFree LIFE for All project sheds light on the hazards posed by some headphones.

The study analyzed 81 headphone models available across Central Europe (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Austria).

The analysis revealed that every device tested contained substances dangerous to people. It included chemicals that can cause health problems, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer.

Buying high-quality products often leads people to think it’s a safer option. However, the study revealed that headphones from well-established brands such as Samsung, Panasonic, Bose, and Marshall were made from plastics containing harmful chemicals.

According to the study, “BPA and its substitutes—the most documented endocrine disruptors—were nearly universal, found in 177 of 180 samples.”

It referred to Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that is used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Often used for its durability, resistance, and lightweight properties, it’s also called an “endocrine disruptor” because it causes health problems related to reproduction, metabolism, and development in young kids.

The study also notes how “premium brands offer no guarantee of safety. Toxic substances, including unregulated flame retardants, are pervasive across the entire market, proving that price is not a proxy for chemical safety.”

Since headphones are a device that people tend to use daily, the issue stems from the fact that these dangerous chemicals move from the device to a person’s body, especially during activities, such as workout, when body produces sweat, which fastens this migration, explains Karolína Brabcová, chemical expert at Arnika, part of the ToxFree LIFE for All project to The Guardian.

A long-term exposure to such chemicals can bring serious health issues, especially for younger individuals.

“In light of the increasing global incidence of paediatric cancers, infertility, and obesity, the role of well-studied endocrine disruptors and carcinogens in everyday products cannot be ignored,” states the research.

Despite chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) having a negative impact on people’s health, they’re still being used in the production of consumer products, without consumers knowing the side effects.

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The study revealed that BPA was detected in 177 of 180 samples. Its common substitute, Bisphenol S (BPS), was found in 137 samples. The chemicals used to solidify plastic, BPA, and BPS, can also cause effects, such as early puberty in girls, cancer, or the feminisation of males.

Headphones aren’t the only everyday device that can cause these health problems.

Some smartwatch bands may also be hazardous due to PFHxA, also known as the "forever" chemical.

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While this chemical isn’t considered to pose immediate risks, exceeding exposure norms can cause serious health issues related to the immune system, thyroid, and liver.

The main point of the study analysing headphone quality is to raise awareness among users and drive regulatory change, but there seems to be a breakthrough.

Last year, Apple was sued for knowingly selling wristbands with “forever chemicals.”

The lawsuit stated that Apple advertised its smartwatches as designed to support consumers’ health and wellness, while its wristbands contain high levels of PFAS, which are toxic to health and the environment.

FAQ about toxic materials found in headphones

Were all the headphones tested found to contain toxic materials?

Yes, all 81 headphone models analyzed in the study contained substances dangerous to human health, including chemicals that can cause neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer.

Do expensive or premium brand headphones guarantee safety from toxic chemicals?

No, well-known brands like Samsung, Bose, and Panasonic were all found to contain harmful chemicals. The price is not a guarantee of chemical safety, as toxic substances are pervasive across the entire market.

What is BPA, and why is it dangerous?

BPA (Bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical used to produce plastics. It's an "endocrine disruptor" that can cause reproductive issues, metabolic problems, early puberty in girls, feminization of males, and even cancer.

How do these toxic chemicals from headphones enter the human body?

Since headphones maintain prolonged skin contact, harmful chemicals can migrate from the device into the body. This migration accelerates during physical activities, such as workouts, when the body produces sweat.

Are headphones the only wearable devices with this problem?

No, some smartwatch bands also contain hazardous materials, particularly PFHxA (known as "forever chemicals"), which can harm the immune system, thyroid, and liver when exposure levels exceed safe limits.

Test of 81 headphone models reveals the ugly truth: Samsung, Bose, Marshall, and all others contain toxic materials