Tech21 · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Tech21 2.1A USB Charge Cord Car And Wall Charger Set. Cord 6.5 Ft Long - New Electronics
Lower concern. Standard USB charger with no known PFAS risk factors.
USB chargers use basic plastics and copper with minimal processing. No waterproofing, nonstick, or stain resistance expected, so PFAS use is unlikely but unconfirmed by the brand.
Shop Tech21 on Amazon →Material
Plastic (USB connector and housing), copper wire (internal conductors)
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 charger uses plastic (likely PVC or polyethylene) for the USB connector housing and outer casing, with copper wire conductors inside. Plastic housings in consumer electronics are not regulated for heavy metals or plasticizers the way food-contact items are, but degradation under heat or UV can accelerate leaching. The 6.5-foot cord length increases surface area and heat dissipation capacity, which generally reduces thermal stress on the insulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a mobile accessories brand owned by Otter Products, known primarily for protective cases. The brand maintains no public PFAS disclosure or sustainability reporting specific to charging hardware. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for Tech21 chargers. Standard consumer electronics suppliers in this price tier typically do not publish material composition beyond product specs.
How it compares in its category
USB charger sets at this specification level are commodity products with minimal differentiation in safety profiles. A 2.1A output with a 6.5-foot cord is standard for car and wall dual-mode chargers. Brand-name options like this carry no measurable safety advantage over unbranded equivalents, but may have slightly better QA on connector durability. Most failures in this category are mechanical (connector wear) rather than chemical hazard.
If you buy it
Keep the charger away from prolonged direct sunlight or extreme heat (above 60C / 140F sustained) to slow plastic degradation and insulation brittleness. Inspect the cord and connectors every 6-12 months for visible cracks, discoloration, or exposed wire; replace immediately if found. Avoid coiling the cord tightly while warm, as this can create stress points. Do not use if the housing cracks or shows signs of melting, as internal wire insulation may be compromised.
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.”
Plastic insulation degradation under heat
Prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures or charging heat can embrittle the PVC or polyethylene insulation, increasing risk of exposed wiring and short circuits. This is a mechanical failure mode rather than a chemical leaching concern, but more likely with cheaper chargers.
Connector corrosion and oxidation
Copper connectors inside plastic housings can oxidize over time if moisture ingress occurs, reducing conductivity and increasing heat at contact points. This is primarily a durability issue but can eventually lead to overheating.
Heavy metals in solder or plating (internal)
No recalls or test data on record for Tech21 chargers containing lead-based solder or cadmium plating on internal connectors. This remains a theoretical concern in low-cost electronics but is not an established issue for this brand or product line.
Flame retardant additives in plastic housing
Plastic charger housings do not typically require flame retardant additives under U.S. electrical safety standards (UL), and none is documented in Tech21 charger materials. No known source of halogenated or brominated flame retardants in this product.
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.