A Hungarian research group, ToxFree Life for All, tested 81 mainstream headphone models and found harmful chemicals in every sample, raising concerns about long-term health risks from everyday headphone use.
The organization purchased 81 in-ear and over-ear headphones from physical stores in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Austria, as well as online marketplaces such as Shein and Temu. The test samples included globally renowned brands such as Apple, Bose, Panasonic, and Sony.
The organization stated explicitly in its official report: “Hazardous substances were detected in every product tested.” This means that whether it’s an expensive high-end brand or a cheap e-commerce bestseller, none are immune to potential chemical risks. This finding shatters consumers’ traditional perception that “big brands equal safety,” revealing a widespread hidden danger in the materials used to manufacture electronic audio products.
Researchers identified several plastic additives known to have harmful effects on organisms in the samples. Data showed that bisphenol A (BPA) was found in 98% of the samples, while its alternative, bisphenol S (BPS), was detected in over 75%.
These two compounds are commonly used to harden plastics, but once inside the human body, they mimic estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system. The Guardian reports that potential side effects of these substances include precocious puberty, fertility problems, and certain types of cancer.
In addition to bisphenol A (BPA), other high-risk chemicals were also detected in the tests. Many headphones contain phthalates, a known reproductive toxin that can impair fertility.
Meanwhile, chlorinated paraffin was also detected in the samples, a substance linked to liver and kidney damage. Karolína Brabcová, a chemistry expert at the Arnika organization, pointed out that these chemicals don’t just exist as additives; they can migrate from headphones into the body. Daily headphone use, especially during exercise when sweating or in high-temperature environments, significantly accelerates this migration of harmful substances to the skin.
While the exposure dose from a single use may be low and pose no immediate health risk, researchers are seriously concerned about the consequences of long-term exposure. Trace amounts of chemicals from various sources in daily life can accumulate in the body, creating what is known as the “cocktail effect.”
Test results for the 81 headphones:
