Accompanying you at work, leisure, and relaxing moments. You may use it while exercising.
But a recent investigation into headphones revealed the presence of substances harmful to human health in every pair of them. These substances include chemicals that may cause cancer, neurodevelopmental problems, and the appearance of feminine characteristics in males.
Even leading brands like “Bose”, “Panasonic”, “Samsung” and “Sennheiser” have been found to contain harmful chemicals in the compositions of the plastic used in their manufacture.
Activists condemned this “total market failure,” demanding a complete ban on entire classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in consumer goods, and more transparency from manufacturers about the ingredients in their products.
## Pollution increases injury rates
Concern is growing globally about the potential effects of contamination of ecosystems, animals and humans with synthetic chemicals, and concerns that they are linked to the global rise in cancer, obesity and infertility rates.
Many commonly used chemicals, such as bisphenols, phthalates, and poly- and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAs), have been shown to have severe biological effects. However, much of it is still used in the manufacture of consumer goods, with little public awareness of its properties and potential effects on humans.
According to the study, the results of which were published by the British newspaper “The Guardian”, these toxic substances may infiltrate the user’s body directly through the plastic parts, and may affect him directly as a result of use and wearing for long hours.
Arnika chemist Karolina Prabkova, who is part of the Tox Free project, said while speaking to The Guardian that these chemical components do not represent a direct health risk, but long-term exposure to them, especially with teenagers, can raise concerns.
## Transfer of substances to the skin
She added: “Daily use, especially during exercise, when there is heat, sweat, and friction, accelerates the transfer of these substances directly to the skin, and there is no safe level for substances that cause endocrine disruptors.”
A separate report from the American technical website Tom’s Guide indicated that the chemicals found in the headphones included extremely dangerous substances such as bisphenols, phthalates, polycarbonates, and perfluoroalkyl compounds, which are substances with serious biological effects.
The study adds that these dangerous materials are found in abundance in hard plastic parts, so the larger their size and number in the speaker, the more dangerous they become.
The study also advises against wearing headphones frequently during exercise and in hot climates, which accelerates the transfer of plastic materials to the skin and increases their danger.
