Harmful chemicals found in popular headphones sold across Europe, study

Study sample researchers analysed over 81 headphone models from 50+ brands, study tested more than 81 headphone models from over 50 brands including Samsung, Apple, Sony and Sennheiser.

Tested headphones all tested headphone models contained traces of hormone-disrupting chemicals, every model tested contained traces of substances such as bisphenols, phthalates and flame retardants.

Researchers took apart headphones and collected 180 plastic samples for lab tests, researchers disassembled headsets and collected 180 samples of hard and soft plastics for laboratory analysis.

Rating results 44% of models were rated red for exposure, and 11% of red-rated models had hazardous substances touching the skin 44% of models received a red rating for high exposure concern; 11% of those had hazardous materials in contact with skin.

Temu children's headphones a Temu children's headset contained 4,950 mg/kg phthalates, about five times the EU limit for children, one pair of children's headphones sold by Temu contained 4,950 mg/kg of phthalates, nearly five times the EU legal limit for children's products.