Anker · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Anker Zolo USB C to USB C Cable
Lower concern. Basic cable uses standard materials without obvious PFAS triggers.
Anker's USB-C cable contains standard connectors and polymer jacket with no disclosed water-resistance or special coatings that typically require PFAS. No PFAS claim or third-party testing available.
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USB-C connectors, copper/brass contacts, PVC or polyurethane 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
Anker Zolo cables use copper or brass contacts inside USB-C connectors paired with a PVC or polyurethane outer jacket. Neither material is inherently hazardous in this application: copper is electrically stable and non-leaching under normal charge/data transfer conditions, and PVC/polyurethane jackets are standard in consumer electronics worldwide. The low current and voltage profile of USB-C (5V typical) creates no heating stress that would degrade the insulation or release volatile compounds.
The brand's record and disclosure
Anker does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or REACH compliance statements for consumer cables. The company has a solid track record for product recalls when electrical safety issues arise (notably lithium battery incidents in power banks), suggesting responsive quality control. No recalls specific to Zolo USB-C cables have been documented for chemical hazards or coating degradation. Anker's silence on PFAS is typical for the cable category, where fluorinated additives are not standard practice.
How it compares in its category
USB-C cables are among the safest consumer electronics accessories because they carry low power, generate minimal heat, and use standardized connector materials. Anker Zolo sits at the mainstream tier: better than unbranded dollar-store alternatives (which may have poor insulation integrity) and equivalent to most mid-range branded cables from Belkin or Amazon Basics. Premium cables sometimes add shielding or premium jacket materials, but offer no documented safety advantage for typical desk or portable use.
If you buy it
Store the cable at room temperature and avoid coiling it tightly around power adapters, which concentrates heat. Inspect the connector and jacket quarterly for cracks, fraying, or discoloration; any visible damage warrants replacement to prevent short circuits. Do not use the cable in high-heat environments (e.g., near radiators or in direct sunlight for extended periods) as PVC can soften above 60-70 degrees Celsius. Replace every 2-3 years if heavily used, as repeated flexing eventually fatigues the jacket.
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.”
PVC plasticizer leaching
PVC jackets in cables typically contain phthalates or other plasticizers, but no established pathway for leaching into food or skin during normal charging; risk is negligible unless cable is chewed or heated above 70°C.
Heavy metals in solder or contacts
Copper and brass contacts do not corrode or leach under standard USB-C voltage and current. Lead-free solder is industry standard and not documented as a concern for Anker products.
Electrical safety and insulation integrity
Cheaper third-party USB-C cables have historically had substandard insulation; Anker's brand reputation and certification compliance suggest this is unlikely, but damage from drops or crimping can degrade the PVC jacket and expose conductors.
Microplastic shedding from degraded jacket
PVC jackets do not shed microplastics during normal use. Degradation only occurs with UV exposure, extreme heat, or mechanical abrasion over years; not a concern for typical indoor storage and use.
Off-gassing or odor
No reports of volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from Anker Zolo cables. PVC and polyurethane jackets are stable at room temperature and do not emit formaldehyde or other odorous compounds.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.