Story perspectives

Study Reveals Hazardous Chemicals in Nearly All Headphones

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

An investigation found that all tested headphones contained hazardous chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS).
The study analyzed 81 pairs of headphones from various brands, with BPA detected in 98% of samples.
Substances can migrate from the headphones into the skin, especially during prolonged use.
Campaigners from the ToxFree project called for bans on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and greater transparency from manufacturers, noting concerns in Central Europe.

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Story summary

An investigation found that all tested headphones contained hazardous chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS).
The study analyzed 81 pairs of headphones from various brands, with BPA detected in 98% of samples.
Substances can migrate from the headphones into the skin, especially during prolonged use.
Campaigners from the ToxFree project called for bans on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and greater transparency from manufacturers, noting concerns in Central Europe.