Brussels is having to speak up to raise possible health risks posed by MP3 players and the like. A conference on the subject has been organised for Tuesday. A spokeswoman for the EU’s consumer protection commissioner explained the concern:

“It is an issue which has been on the political agenda since last autumn when a scientific commitee bring forward new research saying that up to ten million consumers may be exposed to potential hearing damage over the long term because of excessive use playing music players at loud volumes for more than five hours a week.” The aim of the conference is to look at safety standards and controls. Some of the personal listening devices can play at well over 100 decibels. Some studies say loudness cannot just harm the eardrums but also affect memory and attention span.More about: European Union, Health

Copyright © 2012 euronews