Google · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Joy Factory DuraLink USB-C Waterproof Charging Cable Kit
Skip. Waterproof coating unspecified, PFAS risk unclear.
USB-C cable with waterproofing but no material or PFAS disclosure. Waterproof treatments often contain PFAS; brand provides no transparency or testing data to confirm safety.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
PVC/TPE cable with waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) with an unspecified waterproof coating. PVC requires plasticizers like phthalates or alternatives (DINP, DIDP) to remain flexible; TPE may use similar additives. The waterproof coating identity is critical: it could be silicone, polyurethane, or Teflon-family coating-based, but Google has not publicly specified which. Waterproof coatings sometimes contain PFAS to achieve water repellency, though alternatives exist.
The brand's record and disclosure
Google does not publicly disclose chemical composition or manufacturing standards for this accessory line. The company has not signed the AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear Association) textile chemicals pledge or published a restricted substances list for electronics accessories. No major recalls or toxicity incidents on record for Joy Factory/DuraLink USB cables specifically. Google's broader hardware sustainability reports do not address plasticizer or PFAS use in charging cables.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof USB-C cables use PVC or TPE with unspecified coatings; this is industry standard practice with low transparency. Premium alternatives exist (braided nylon with silicone jackets, Teflon-family coating-free polyurethane coatings) but command higher prices and are rarer. This product sits in the middle: waterproof claim adds durability value but introduces coating uncertainty. Comparable products from Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics are similarly opaque on coating chemistry.
If you buy it
Store away from direct heat sources; avoid prolonged exposure above 50C (122F) to prevent plasticizer migration into skin oils or into connected device ports. Do not leave submerged for extended periods beyond manufacturer specification, as coating breakdown can expose inner PVC layers. Replace if coating visibly cracks, peels, or discolors, as this indicates potential leachate exposure. Wash hands after extended use, especially before touching face, to reduce incidental ingestion of surface chemicals.
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.”
Phthalates and alternative plasticizers in PVC/TPE jacket
PVC cables require plasticizers for flexibility. Older formulations used phthalates (DEHP, DBP); modern alternatives include DINP and DIDP, which are also bioavailable and associated with endocrine disruption at high exposure. Google does not specify which plasticizer family is used in this cable.
Waterproof coating leachates (unspecified chemistry)
The waterproof coating is not identified in public documentation. Silicone coatings are generally safer; polyurethane coatings may release isocyanate residues if poorly cured; Teflon-family coating coatings carry PFAS risk (addressed separately in PFAS assessment). Without specification, the safety profile cannot be fully assessed.
Microleaching during heat exposure or wear
PVC cables are known to leach plasticizers when exposed to warm conditions (>40C sustained) or physical stress (bending, stretching). USB charging generates heat at the connector; prolonged use in high-ambient-temperature environments (cars, direct sunlight) increases migration risk into skin contact areas.
Coating degradation and inner material exposure
Waterproof coatings degrade under UV light, mechanical stress, and chemical cleaners. Once compromised, the underlying PVC becomes directly accessible to skin and moisture, elevating plasticizer transfer risk and potential bacterial colonization in porous cracks.
Lack of third-party testing or certification
This product carries no visible certifications (CE, FCC marking alone does not test chemical safety). No independent lab testing for plasticizer content or coating composition is available. Google's refusal to disclose chemistry prevents baseline hazard comparison.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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
Nomad
USB C Cable
Aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforced cable jacket, copper wire
Lower PFAS concern for typical USB-C cable.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen
DuraSync 60W USB-C Cable | Charging & Data Sync Cable | Fast Charge
Braided nylon outer jacket, copper wire core, thermoplastic elastomer connectors
Standard USB cable with no PFAS risk indicators identified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.