Samsung · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cables
Solar Charger Power Bank
Moderate concern. Waterproofing materials often contain PFAS; no disclosure from Samsung.
Solar power banks use waterproof adhesives and sealants that may contain PFAS. Samsung provides no PFAS transparency for this product category, making risk assessment difficult for consumers.
The safe swap
Samsung
Techsmarter 20000mAh Portable Phone Charger Power Bank
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Plastic housing, Li-ion battery, solar panel with adhesive/epoxy, likely waterproof sealant
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 unit combines a plastic housing (likely polycarbonate or ABS for durability), a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and a solar panel bonded to the casing with adhesive or epoxy. The waterproof seal around the panel and any gaskets likely contain fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to repel moisture, a common practice in sealed electronics that are marketed as water-resistant. Plastic housings themselves are generally stable if undamaged, but adhesives and sealants degrade under UV exposure and heat stress over months to years.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung has not publicly disclosed the specific chemical composition of waterproofing or adhesive materials in this product category. The company has faced scrutiny for PFAS use in semiconductor manufacturing but has not committed to eliminating PFAS from consumer electronics seals and adhesives. No published recalls or safety advisories are on record for this solar charger model related to leachables or offgassing.
How it compares in its category
Solar power banks occupy a niche market; most competitors (Anker, Goal Zero, etc.) use similar plastic-and-epoxy construction with comparable waterproofing methods. Samsung's version is mid-range in durability claims. The main differentiator is the brand's supply chain transparency, which is weaker than some rivals in disclosing adhesive and sealant chemistry for portable electronics.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when not in use (UV degrades adhesives and can accelerate PFAS migration from sealants). Do not intentionally heat the device or leave it in hot cars; keep it below 45°C to preserve battery and seal integrity. Replace it if the waterproof seal visibly cracks, peels, or leaks, as internal components may then be exposed to moisture. Store in a cool, dry place and inspect the adhesive line around the solar panel every 6-12 months for signs of separation.
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.”
Lithium-ion battery thermal runaway / fire risk
Solar chargers with Li-ion cells can overheat if the solar panel's charge controller fails or if the battery is physically damaged. Samsung batteries have good safety records, but this risk is inherent to the chemistry and increases with age or impact damage.
Adhesive and epoxy leaching / offgassing
The epoxy bonding the solar panel and any internal adhesives can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the first weeks of use, especially in warm conditions. While not acutely toxic at typical consumer exposure levels, prolonged inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces (e.g., car interiors) may irritate airways.
Plastic housing degradation and microplastic release
Polycarbonate or ABS housings exposed to prolonged UV and thermal cycling can become brittle, crack, and shed microscopic particles. If the device is used primarily outdoors over years, the casing may fragment, especially if stressed during charging cycles.
Waterproof sealant PFAS leaching into water contact
PFAS-containing waterproofing compounds (commonly used in sealed electronics) can leach into water if the seal fails or degrades. Although unlikely during normal use of a power bank, if the device is submerged or the seal is compromised, fluorinated compounds may enter groundwater or drinking water reservoirs.
Coating or printed circuit board degradation
Printed circuit boards inside the charger may have flame retardant coatings containing heavy metals or brominated compounds. If the housing breaks, these materials are typically inert but could pose a hazard if ingested by children or pets.
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 & Cables
Samsung
Techsmarter 20000mAh Portable Phone Charger Power Bank
Lithium-ion battery, plastic housing, circuit board components
Lower concern. Power banks typically pose minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Samsung
25W Super Fast Charging Wall Charger
plastic housing, internal circuits, ceramic capacitors
Lower concern. Standard wall charger with no known PFAS exposure routes.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Samsung
Galaxy Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack
Lithium-ion battery, aluminum, stainless steel body
Lower PFAS concern. Battery pack materials unlikely to require PFAS treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof phone chargers & cables 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.