Dutch retailers pull popular headphones from sale due to harmful substances

Major retailers Bol.com and MediaMarkt have pulled several popular headphones and headsets from their sale after a report published by consumer organizations last week showing that the devices contain harmful substances that can enter the body through the ear cushions and wiring, AD reports.

For the report, published in collaboration with the European Union last week, the researchers examined 81 popular headphones on the European market. They found harmful substances in many of them that can be absorbed from the plastic into the skin, especially during intensive use, such as when you’re sweating during exercise or during long gaming sessions.

This includes bisphenol A (BPA). The use of BPA in food packaging has been banned since January 2025 because ven small doses can weaken the immune system. BPA can also cause infertility and allergic reactions, according to previous studies by the European Environment Agency and the RIVM.

The models that scored poorly on all fronts are the Razer Kraken V3 (2021) and the HyperX Cloud III Gaming Headset (2023). According to the researchers, these models contain high concentrations of substances of concern in both the internal components and ear cushions.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) and Logitech G733 (2020) have safe casings, but the ear cushions that sit directly against your skin contain substances of concern.

Bol.com pulled the models that scored red on all fronts from sale as a precaution and is investigating the other two to see if measures are necessary.

MediaMarkt pulled a Paw Patrol headset, offered on the platform through a third-party, from sale. Tests showed that the interior of the device is safe, but the soft ear cushions that rest on children’s ears contain both bisphenols and plasticizers.

Amazon, HEMA, and Action told AD that they were assessing the need for additional testing and would discuss the matter with their suppliers.