According to a report by The Guardian, a new laboratory study has raised alarm about dangerous substances in headphones – including products from major brands such as Bose, Samsung and Sennheiser. Every pair of the 81 models tested contained toxic chemicals that caused serious health problems. Experts warn that this finding could affect millions of users worldwide.
All headphones tested contain harmful chemicals
Researchers from the ToxFREE LIFE for All project, a partnership of civil society groups in Central Europe, analyzed both over-ear and in-ear headphones purchased in retail stores and online marketplaces. In laboratory tests, bisphenols such as BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S) were detected in the vast majority of samples – BPA was detected in 98% of samples, BPS in more than three quarters. These chemicals are often used as plastic additives but are considered endocrine disruptors.
In addition to bisphenols, the study identified phthalates (linked to reproductive toxicity), chlorinated paraffins (linked to liver and kidney damage in animal studies), and various brominated and organophosphate flame retardants. Many of these substances have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer risk and neurodevelopmental problems, raising concerns about long-term exposure.
While many of these chemicals have only been found in trace amounts, experts say prolonged exposure — especially from sweat and heat during exercise — can increase migration into the skin. “Daily use – especially during exercise, when heat and sweat are present – accelerates this migration directly to the skin,” said a chemistry expert involved in the project.
Headphones have evolved from an occasional accessory to an everyday essential worn for hours at work, training and in relaxed environments. This extensive, often close contact with the skin has come under scrutiny because it represents a pathway for chemical migration. Endocrine disruptors like BPA mimic natural hormones and have been linked to various health problems, including developmental disorders and cancer.
For consumers, the finding underscores a broader concern about chemical exposure from everyday products. Bisphenols and similar plastic additives have been under regulatory scrutiny for years due to their ability to leach from materials and interact with biological systems. Even though individual doses of headphone plastics may be small, scientists raise the possibility of a “cocktail effect,” where continuous exposure to multiple sources of dangerous substances over time increases the health risk.
Brand reaction and public awareness
The major audio brands mentioned in the study did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lack of transparency about the materials used in consumer electronics has drawn criticism from health advocates, who argue that there is a “marketwide failure” to disclose potentially harmful substances to buyers.
The results complement a number of recent studies by ToxFREE, including previous work that detected bisphenol A in baby products and other everyday textiles. The research groups have called for greater regulation and bans on endocrine-disrupting chemicals in consumer products to protect public health – particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents who may be more susceptible to hormonal effects.
Health experts emphasize that more research is needed to quantify the real exposure levels and actual health effects of chemicals in headphones. Regulators and consumer groups may pursue new testing standards or labeling requirements for wearables to ensure users are better informed about material content.
Meanwhile, consumers may demand more transparency from manufacturers and push for safer materials. The study’s findings spark an important discussion about the hidden chemicals in products we wear close to our bodies – and how everyday technology could have unexpected effects on long-term health.
