If you don't want something else to worry about in today's world, perhaps stop reading. Otherwise, a new study finds that most headphones contain toxic chemicals that may be "migrating" into our bodies.
Reported by the Guardian, the study comes from the activist group ToxFree LIFE for All, a Hungarian research and campaigning group. If it helps, they're like the Eastern European version of Consumer Reports.
ToxFree found that a multitude of headphones contain chemicals that can "cause cancer, neuro-development problems and the feminisation of males." That includes ones from major brands like Apple, Bose, Panasonic and Sony, makers of some of the best headphones.
According to their website, ToxFree has tested over 81 headphones, from earbuds to over-the-ear cans. Apparently, the primary source of chemicals in the headphones comes from the "formulation of the plastics from which they are made."
These dangerous chemicals include bisphenols, phthalates and poly- and perfluoroalkyl (Pfas). PFAs are known as forever chemicals, which other studies have found to have terrible biological effects.
ToxFree apparently started testing for the chemicals because headphones have "transitioned from occasional accessories to essential tools." They purchased readily available headphones that can be found in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and online marketplaces like Shein and Temu.
“Hazardous substances were detected in every product tested,” they said.
Reportedly, synthetic chemicals used to stiffen plastic can migrate into sweat that can then be absorbed through your skin.
From what we can tell, the study only tested for the presence of the chemicals, but it doesn't reveal how much exposure is required for chemicals to reach toxic levels. It also emphasizes that the chemicals were found in "trace" quantities.
How to avoid the chemicals
ToxFree notes that "highest concentrations of harmful substances were found in the hard plastic parts of the headphones. These chemicals can be released into the environment through heat, mechanical stress or sweating and then absorbed through the skin."
Which means you'll want to avoid wearing headphones while sleeping, and unfortunately, when doing strenuous activity that causes you to sweat.
“Daily use – especially during exercise when heat and sweat are present – accelerates this migration directly to the skin," ToxFree said.
This makes sense for earbuds where the plastic is more likely to come into contact with your skin on a more consistent basis. What we can't tell is what the study found regarding over-the-ear and on-ear cans.
In general, those headphones feature softer materials, including cloth, pseudo or real leather in the cups and the headbands. Higher-end models might be made out of metal.
ToxFree has released previous studies that found Pfas in baby pacifiers and women's underwear, two products that have even more contact with skin and orifices.
Mayhap this isn't as dire an issue as Toxfree asserts. However, it may be a good time to consider how much time you spend wearing headphones and finding ways to mitigate it for your general health.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
