If you regularly use headphones to listen to music, attend calls, or watch movies, this news may worry you. A recent laboratory investigation has revealed the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in headphones sold by several well-known brands. The findings have raised serious health concerns, especially because headphones remain in direct contact with the skin for long periods.

According to a report by Moneycontrol, laboratory tests detected hazardous chemicals in headphones from major global brands such as Samsung, Bose, and Sennheiser. As part of the investigation, researchers tested 81 different headphone models, and concerningly, every single sample was found to contain chemicals that could pose health risks.

The testing was carried out under the “Tox-Free Life for All” project, a joint initiative by civil society organizations based in Central Europe. Researchers examined both over-ear and in-ear headphones purchased from retail stores as well as online platforms. The focus was on plastic and synthetic materials that come into prolonged contact with the skin, such as ear cushions, headbands, and ear tips.

The results showed extensive use of bisphenols—chemicals commonly added to plastics to increase durability. Bisphenol A (BPA) was detected in 98 percent of the tested samples, while bisphenol S (BPS) appeared in more than three-quarters of them. These substances are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal system and potentially lead to long-term health problems.

In addition to bisphenols, researchers also found phthalates, chemicals linked to reproductive toxicity. The lab analysis further identified chlorinated paraffins, which animal studies have associated with liver and kidney damage, along with several brominated and organophosphate flame retardants. Many of these substances are suspected to increase cancer risk, disrupt hormones, and contribute to neurological issues.