Anker · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Anker 6-Foot Max Fast Charging USB-C to USB-C Cable, Black
Lower concern. Cable materials not typical PFAS sources.
USB-C cables use copper and polymer jackets without typical PFAS applications. Anker discloses no PFAS information, but this product category poses minimal chemical risk.
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Copper core with PVC/TPE jacket
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cable uses a copper core for conductivity wrapped in a PVC or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) outer jacket. PVC can leach plasticizers like phthalates under heat stress, but USB-C cables operate at low ambient temperatures and do not typically reach softening points. TPE is more chemically inert and does not require phthalate plasticizers, so if this cable uses TPE as stated, leaching risk is substantially lower.
The brand's record and disclosure
Anker does not publicly disclose detailed material safety or manufacturing certifications for this cable. The brand has not faced widely documented safety recalls for USB cables, and maintains FCC compliance for electronics. Anker's silence on PFAS and phthalate use is consistent with many consumer electronics makers, but does not indicate proactive testing or transparency.
How it compares in its category
USB-C cables are a low-risk product category overall; most hazards come from poor electrical design (fire risk) rather than material toxicity. Anker cables are mid-market in cost and reputation, with generally favorable durability reviews. Premium alternatives (Apple, Belkin certified) offer similar material safety profiles but at higher cost; budget alternatives may use lower-grade PVC with higher plasticizer content.
If you buy it
Store the cable away from direct heat sources and sharp bends, which can degrade the jacket and expose the copper core. Do not use if the outer jacket shows cracks, peeling, or discoloration. Replace after 2-3 years of regular use or sooner if damage appears, as degraded insulation increases electrical hazard. Avoid wrapping tightly around heated objects like phone chargers.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Phthalate leaching from PVC
If the jacket is PVC-based, it may contain phthalates as plasticizers. Leaching risk is low at normal use temperatures but increases if the cable is stored in a warm environment (above 60C) or bent repeatedly. No specific test data for this product is publicly available.
Electrical insulation degradation over time
Any PVC or TPE jacket degrades with age, UV exposure, and flexing. Older Anker USB cables have been reported to develop cracks in the jacket, creating electrical shock or short-circuit risk. This is a mechanical failure mode, not a chemical one, but it triggers replacement need.
Heavy metals in copper core (lead)
Copper wire used in electronics-grade cables is typically refined to high purity and does not deliberately contain lead. No recalls or reports of elevated lead in Anker cables are on record. Risk is negligible for normal contact use.
Off-gassing or volatile organic compounds
PVC and TPE do not typically off-gas volatile compounds at room temperature in the way foams or adhesives do. No odor complaints or VOC concerns are documented for this product line.
Bacterial or mold growth in connector
The USB-C connector has internal surfaces that can accumulate dust, lint, or moisture if stored in damp conditions. This is a cleanliness issue, not a material toxicity issue, but regular inspection and dry storage prevent bacterial growth.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Nomad
Universal Cable
Braided nylon and metal connectors
Lower concern. Nylon cable has minimal PFAS risk.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
More waterproof phone chargers & cable cases grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.