3 Introduction

Survey of chemical substances in headphones and hearing protection aids

Headphones are used to an increasing extent, among other things as a result of the fact that music and speech today are communicated electronically, e.g. through MP3 players, mobile phones and PC’s. However, at the same time, headphones being used in the traditional way, e.g. in connection with a stereo, are sold. The many application areas have resulted in a significant product development so it is possible to choose products varying from very small In-ear headphones to the traditional headphones sitting on or encircling the ear. A large number of ways of wearing headphones, using different kinds of spring bands, is available.

The use of hearing protection aids is more limited, but the knowledge of the risk of getting impaired hearing is estimated to result in a growing demand. As the purpose of the hearing protection aids is to keep out sound and noise, only two main types are available on the Danish market, Around-ear (the traditional product) and In-ear hearing protection aids. For private use it is assessed that the former type is the most frequently used.

The close contact with the skin on (or in) the ear means that there is a risk of the chemical substances will migrate from the applied materials (mainly plastics) to the skin surface and thus can affect the users’ health. The purpose of the project is to create an overview of the market for the two product groups, which materials are being used in the products of today and propose how to make a more precise assessment of the health risk when using the products.

The project is conducted in two phases:

In the first phase of the project a survey of the market through Internet searches and contact to producers is completed.
In the second phase of the project a number of products in the two product groups, 20 in total, are purchased after which an analysis of the applied materials is completed. Based on the knowledge of the applied materials, conclusions of analogy are subsequently drawn to other survey projects where the same materials and the same way of exposure have been assessed with regard to their potential of causing health effects. Finally, a proposal for a further analysis and assessment of the two product groups is made.