The concentrations measured do not represent an acute danger, but they raise questions about chronic exposure, via prolonged contact with the skin and to heat.
A low-signal danger
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No one should decide to throw away their headphones after reading this — and that’s not the point. The concentrations noted do not represent an acute danger. The real subject is more diffuse: the accumulation, over the years, of low doses of endocrine disruptors from multiple everyday objects.
What you need to know before buying
First, a notable fact: neither the price nor the notoriety of the brand guarantee the absence of problematic substances. AirPods, Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Razer, HyperX, JBL, etc.: we can find bisphenols, phthalates and chlorinated paraffins in the plastics of some of their models, at varying high concentrations.
A high price is no guarantee of quality either and this is undoubtedly the most disturbing conclusion. A premium model at 400 euros can have the same substances as an entry-level product. Of course, some passed the analyzes positively, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C).
So you might as well find out about the research results. The magazine Les Numériques has listed them all with links to the tests that its team has been able to carry out.
Breaks are recommended
Then, if the helmet is intended for a child, choose a model explicitly designed for this age group. The study shows that they are overall more chemically compliant than many adult or gaming models.
Finally, avoid wearing headphones and earphones for prolonged periods, especially while sleeping. Heat and perspiration promote the migration of certain plastic additives towards the skin. Several hours at a time in a warm, humid ear canal is the maximum exposure scenario.
But there’s a catch
There remains one problem. In the absence of a chemical transparency obligation imposed on manufacturers, the consumer has no clear information before purchasing. Buying a helmet therefore remains an act of trust – while waiting for more demanding regulations.
