Several major European retailers have removed certain headphones from sale after a new study found trace amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals in a wide range of popular models. The findings have sparked fresh concerns about the materials used in everyday tech products, particularly items worn directly against the skin for long periods of time.

The research, part of the EU-funded ToxFree LIFE for All project, analysed 81 different headphone models from more than 50 well-known brands. According to the study, every product tested contained at least small amounts of chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, and flame retardants, substances that can interfere with the body’s hormone system.

Following the report, several large European retailers, including Bol.com, Coolblue, and MediaMarkt, reportedly removed some of the lowest-scoring models from their stores as a precaution.

The study included products from major audio and tech companies such as Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, JBL, and Sennheiser. While the chemicals detected were generally found in small quantities, researchers say the widespread presence of these substances highlights a broader industry issue rather than a problem limited to a single brand.

Importantly, experts emphasise that the findings do not suggest an immediate health risk from using headphones. However, they do raise questions about the long-term impact of repeated exposure, especially given how frequently people wear headphones throughout the day.

Researchers examined both in-ear and over-ear headphones, testing plastic components for chemicals known to affect hormone regulation. Bisphenols, commonly used in plastics, were found in nearly all samples, while phthalates, substances that make materials more flexible, were also widely detected.

These types of chemicals are often used in consumer goods but have been linked to potential health concerns including fertility problems, developmental issues, and increased risk of certain diseases when exposure occurs over long periods.

Scientists also note that heat and sweat could increase the likelihood of small amounts of these chemicals transferring from headphone materials onto the skin during everyday use, such as during workouts or long listening sessions.

Although every product tested contained at least trace amounts of chemicals, not all headphones performed equally. Researchers used a traffic-light system to rank risk levels, with some models receiving a “green” rating indicating lower potential exposure.

According to the study, certain models, including Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and JBL’s Tune 720BT, were among those considered lower risk compared to others tested.

Interestingly, the report found that price did not necessarily correlate with safety, meaning more expensive headphones were not automatically free from concerning substances.

Several companies included in the research have stated that their products comply with current safety regulations. Some manufacturers also questioned the methodology used in the study, noting that the thresholds applied were stricter than those typically used for electronic devices.

Experts behind the report argue that existing regulations may not fully reflect the cumulative effects of exposure to low levels of multiple chemicals across everyday products.

The study adds to a growing conversation around the materials used in consumer electronics and how they may affect long-term health. As wearable devices become more common, from headphones to smartwatches, researchers are calling for increased transparency about the chemicals used in manufacturing.

While there is no indication that consumers need to stop using their headphones immediately, the findings could encourage stricter regulations and push manufacturers to explore safer alternative materials in the future.

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