Dutch Retailers Withdraw Headphones Over Harmful Chemical Concerns
Several Dutch electronics retailers, including Bol.com and Mediamarkt, have withdrawn headphones from sale following a study that found potentially dangerous concentrations of harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA). The EU-funded research tested 81 headphone sets, identifying BPA, an endocrine disruptor previously banned in food packaging, which can affect immunity and fertility. While experts suggest skin absorption risks may be less than ingestion, retailers are taking precautions, with Bol.com halting sales of specific models and Mediamarkt removing Paw Patrol headphones.
Dutch electronics retailers Bol.com and Mediamarkt are among those who have pulled certain headphones from their shelves due to concerns over potentially dangerous levels of harmful chemicals. This action follows a study, funded by the EU Life Programme and the Czech Republic environment ministry, which examined 81 sets of headphones and detected concentrations of chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor known to affect immunity and fertility, and while it has a legal maximum in clothing, no such regulation exists for other objects like headphones. Notably, BPA was completely banned in food packaging in 2024.The researchers indicated that intensive use and sweating could elevate the risk of harmful effects from these chemicals. They advise users against sleeping with headphones and recommend taking breaks during extended gaming or music listening sessions. In response, Bol.com has suspended sales of the HyperX Cloud III and Razer Kraken VS models, which exhibited higher chemical concentrations. Mediamarkt also removed Paw Patrol headphones from its online store. Hema, another retailer, is engaging with its suppliers to better understand the research methodology and the extent of health risks.However, toxicologist Jan Tytgat offers a more cautious perspective, suggesting that the effects of BPA in skin-contact objects are significantly less harmful than through food packaging. While acknowledging BPA can penetrate skin, Tytgat believes the actual risks might be negligible, noting a lack of proper measurement regarding high chemical levels in the urine or blood of intensive headphone users. Despite differing opinions on the degree of danger, retailers are acting proactively out of precaution.
