64 Headphones Tested: All Contaminated with Harmful Substances

For children and adults, with and without cables: 64 headphones tested by the Association for Consumer Information (VKI), which are also available in Austria, are contaminated with harmful substances. However, this does not mean that all must be banned immediately, said VKI project manager Birgit Schiller: Several products were "at least less contaminated," especially children's headphones. However, nearly half contained a chemical cocktail that advises against their use.

As part of the EU-funded project "ToxFree LIFE for all," a total of 81 headphones were tested with consumer organizations from Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Hungary, 64 of which were available on the market in Austria at the time of purchase. These included children's, gaming, and adult models.

"Of 64 products, 28 models were rated 'red' - their use is not recommended," the VKI reported. "Another seven products were rated 'yellow' and 29 headphones received a 'green' rating - the latter due to their comparatively lower contamination with harmful substances." Children's headphones were - with some very negative exceptions - generally less contaminated. Here, seven products also received a red rating, but at least 14 products received a green rating.

Headphones in the Test: Chlorinated Paraffins, Phthalates, Flame Retardants, and Bisphenols

84 different harmful substances were analyzed, including chlorinated paraffins, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols, all considered potentially harmful to health. Phthalates, so-called plasticizers, are found in all products. However, the "Enjoy Music" children's headphones from Temu stood out particularly negatively to the testers. Chlorinated paraffins were found in very small amounts. Although the average amount of flame retardants found was low, 72 percent of the samples contained multiple different agents.

The most concerning results were found with bisphenols - in this regard, however, the legal situation is also the least restrictive: 20 percent of the models were rated "red" due to such substances. Bisphenols were particularly often found in hard plastic parts, which do not come into direct skin contact during use, for example, on the outside of the headbands. Birgit Schiller therefore advises not to hold headphones unnecessarily in hand or wear them around the neck for extended periods.

"This is not a Pleasant Result"

"This is not a pleasant result," summarized the expert. "But you don't have to be scared to death. In individual products, the amount of harmful substances is often not immediately concerning." However, we come into contact with many contaminated items in everyday life, such as toys, drinking bottles, or clothing. "The more often this happens, the greater the overall exposure - and thus the risk to our health. Therefore, it makes sense to ensure that we - and especially children - come into contact with as few dangerous substances as possible," said Schiller.

(APA/Red)

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