Anker · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Anker 6-ft Black Cable one_size
Lower concern. Standard USB/charging cable without high-risk coatings.
Anker cables use typical PVC or TPE jackets without known PFAS treatment. No brand disclosure on PFAS, but electronics cables are generally lower risk than water-repellent apparel or nonstick cookware.
Shop Anker on Amazon →Material
PVC or TPE cable jacket, copper wire
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 either PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) as the outer jacket, with copper wire conductors inside. PVC is rigid and cheaper but requires plasticizers like phthalates to soften; TPE is more flexible without those additives and is increasingly preferred by manufacturers. Both are stable at room temperature and do not leach into food or skin under normal use. Copper is an inert conductor with no toxicity concern in this application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Anker is a major electronics accessories manufacturer with established quality control and UL/FCC certifications for their charging products. The company does not publicly detail material composition or PFAS avoidance policies on charging cables, which is typical for this product category. No recalls or safety incidents tied to this specific cable model are on record. Anker's overall reputation is solid for reliability rather than transparency on chemical content.
How it compares in its category
USB charging cables are a mature commodity category with minimal differentiation on safety grounds. Anker cables are mid-market: cheaper than Apple or premium brands, similar spec to store-label alternatives, and generally built to standard durability. TPE-jacketed cables (if this uses them) are slightly safer than PVC ones because they avoid phthalate plasticizers, but both types meet baseline safety standards. No major cable brand has established a safety or chemical-disclosure advantage in this segment.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight to slow aging of the jacket. Replace the cable if the outer covering tears, cracks, or becomes sticky (sign of plasticizer breakdown), as exposed wire creates shock risk. Do not coil tightly around chargers or devices while powered, as localized heat can degrade the jacket. Six-foot length reduces the need to bend or stress the cable during use, which extends its lifespan.
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 plasticizers in PVC jacket
If the cable uses PVC (not TPE), it likely contains phthalates for flexibility. These are not a concern during normal use of a charging cable, as phthalates do not migrate into skin or food. Risk is primarily environmental post-disposal.
Jacket degradation and copper wire exposure
PVC and TPE jackets degrade over 2-5 years with heat, UV, or mechanical stress. Cracked jacket can expose copper wire and create electrical shock hazard if contacted during charging. This is a use-related rather than manufacturing hazard.
Microplastics from jacket shedding
No evidence that Anker cables shed microplastics during normal use. Shedding would only occur if the jacket is heavily abraded or degraded; standard use does not trigger this.
Lead or cadmium in copper or solder joints
Anker cables meet FCC and UL standards, which prohibit lead solder in new products sold in regulated markets. Copper is inherently lead-free. No testing or recalls suggest contamination in this product line.
Voltage leakage or insulation breakdown
This is a low-voltage (5V typical USB) charging cable. No documented failures or insulation defects in Anker 6-ft cables. Risk is negligible under normal use and storage.
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.