Major retailers in the Netherlands have pulled some gaming headphone models from sale after reports flagged potential harmful substances in the products. Companies including Bol.com and Mediamarkt are among the retailers who took precautionary measures after the findings were published by Algemeen Dagbald.
The investigation focused on measuring the concentration of certain chemicals in a range of headphones. However, the researchers did not measure whether the products directly pose health risk, nor did they determine how much exposure to these chemicals can cause harm to the user.
Instead, the study measured the presence and levels of bisphenol A, often called BPA, that could potentially be harmful under specific conditions, such as prolonged use or heavy sweating.
After the report went public, major retailers removed two popular headphone models; HyperX Cloud III and the Razer Kraken V3. According to the report, these two gaming headset models had high levels of bisphenol A, a substance that is restricted or banned in some products due to its ability to act as a hormone disruptor.
This chemical is widely used in plastics and certain metal coatings. In January last year, the European Union banned BPA in food packaging materials due to concerns about its potential effects on hormones, the immune system, and fertility.
In addition to these gaming headsets, Mediamarkt removed a kids’ Paw Petrol themed headphones. Dutch retail chain HEMA is also in talks with suppliers to get more clarity about the products.
However, experts caution that the risks associated with BPA exposure through food contact are not necessarily comparable to skin contact. Toxicologist Jan Tytgat, a professor at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, told NOS that while BPA in food related products requires strict monitoring, the situation is different for non food items.
Dutch retailers demand more clarity over the research and what standards were applied. For now, the retailers are acting out of caution rather then in response to confirmed health risks.
