A recent study has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in popular headphones sold across the European Union. The research tested over 81 models from top brands including Apple, Samsung, Sony, and Sennheiser.
Every model contained at least trace levels of bisphenols, phthalates, or flame retardants-chemicals linked to reproductive harm, obesity, and developmental issues. The study was conducted by Czech environmental group Arnika and the EU-backed ToxFree LIFE for All project.
Researchers analyzed 180 plastic components from disassembled headphones, ranking them green, yellow, or red based on risk. Forty-four percent received a red rating for high chemical concern, though only 11 percent had hazardous materials in skin-contact areas.
The My First Care earbuds, marketed to children, showed the highest bisphenol levels. A children’s model sold by Temu contained nearly five times the legal phthalate limit for kids’ products in the EU.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 and JBL Tune 720BT ranked safest. Nearly 60% of adult gaming headsets were rated red, while about half of children’s models earned green ratings.
Retailers including Bol.com, CoolBlue, and Mediamarkt have pulled certain models following the report. Manufacturers have not yet issued formal responses.