40/ 100
F
OverallF28/100
L-com Waterproof USB 2.0 Type C to Type A

OnePlus · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases

L-com Waterproof USB 2.0 Type C to Type A

F · High PFAS

Skip until OnePlus discloses waterproof coating chemistry.

Verdict: SkipCable itself poses low known risk; waterproof coating chemistry undisclosed. Verify connector durability and avoid prolonged submersion without OnePlus coating confirmation.

Waterproof USB cable but OnePlus does not disclose the coating material or PFAS status. Common waterproof treatments may contain PFAS; verification needed before purchase.

The safe swap

Nomad Universal Cable

Nomad

Nomad Universal Cable

100/100 safety

A

Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.

Material

USB cable with unspecified 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.

Hurts the grade

Category baseline

other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.

Hurts the grade

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement about PFAS in this product.

Hurts the grade

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

This is a USB 2.0 Type C to Type A cable with an unspecified waterproof coating applied to the exterior. The cable core is standard copper wire with PVC or TPE insulation; the hazard centers on the waterproof treatment layer, which manufacturers typically apply as either silicone-based, polyurethane, or Teflon-family coating coatings. OnePlus has not publicly disclosed which chemistry was chosen, making full safety assessment impossible at present. The coating's durability and potential leaching under heat or mechanical stress cannot be evaluated without material data.

The brand's record and disclosure

OnePlus has maintained silence on the waterproof coating chemistry used in this cable, which is a material safety red flag in an industry where PFAS-based coatings remain common for water resistance. The company has not published ingredient certifications, third-party test reports, or statements ruling out PFAS or other restricted substances in this product line. No major recalls or field complaints about this specific cable model have been documented publicly, but lack of incident reporting does not confirm safety. Transparency on functional coatings is a baseline expectation; OnePlus's absence of disclosure suggests either industry-standard practice or unwillingness to commit.

How it compares in its category

USB cables with waterproof coatings represent a niche segment; most standard alternatives carry no water resistance claim and therefore no added coating hazard. Premium brands (Anker, Belkin) have begun disclosing coating materials or switching to PFAS-free chemistries under retailer pressure, but OnePlus has not followed suit. The waterproof claim itself is valuable for outdoor or marine use, but only if the coating remains intact and does not migrate into connectors or leach into skin contact zones during use. Without coating specification, this cable cannot be meaningfully compared to transparent competitors.

If you buy it

Store the cable in a dry environment and inspect the coating annually for cracks, peeling, or discoloration, which signal degradation and potential leaching. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high heat (above 60C ambient), or harsh chemicals, as these accelerate coating breakdown. Do not submerge the connector ends themselves; the waterproof claim likely applies only to the cable body. Replace immediately if the coating shows visible damage or if you notice odor, discoloration, or skin irritation from contact with the cable surface, which could indicate leaching of volatile or allergenic components.

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.”

Possible

Waterproof coating leachates (non-PFAS)

Unspecified waterproof coating may release silicone oligomers, polyurethane degradation products, or other additives under heat, moisture, or UV exposure, with unknown dermal or respiratory effects. No testing or material data available.

Possible

Connector corrosion or galvanic failure

Waterproof coatings that trap moisture inside connectors (Type C and Type A) can promote oxidation or galvanic corrosion of copper and metal pin contacts over time, reducing conductivity or causing intermittent faults.

Possible

Coating degradation and particle release

Flex cycling and temperature cycling may cause the coating to flake or microparticulate, risking inhalation if debris becomes airborne during storage or use in confined spaces.

None known

Allergenic or irritant surface residues

No reports of contact dermatitis or allergic reaction to this specific cable; however, waterproof coatings can release surfactants or biocides if water-resistant treatment includes antimicrobial agents. OnePlus has not disclosed such additives.

None known

Connector pin plating or substrate contamination

No independent testing of the Type C and Type A connectors for heavy metal plating or base metal contaminants has been published; industry standard is nickel over copper, which is safe under normal use.

What we don’t know

This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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

Nomad

Universal Cable

Braided nylon and metal connectors

A
A
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern. Nylon cable has minimal PFAS risk.

Naturally PFAS-free material

Nomad USB C Cable

Nomad

USB C Cable

Aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforced cable jacket, copper wire

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

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

Spigen

DuraSync 60W USB-C Cable | Charging & Data Sync Cable | Fast Charge

Braided nylon outer jacket, copper wire core, thermoplastic elastomer connectors

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

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.