Anker · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Anker 6-Foot Max Fast Charging USB-C to USB-C Cable, Black
Low risk. Cable materials not typical PFAS sources.
USB-C cables use copper and polymer jackets without typical PFAS applications. Minimal chemical risk category.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Copper core with PVC/TPE jacket
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Phthalate leaching from PVC
If the jacket is PVC-based, it may contain phthalates as plasticizers. Leaching risk is low at normal use temperatures but increases if the cable is stored in a warm environment (above 60C) or bent repeatedly. No specific test data for this product is publicly available.
Electrical insulation degradation over time
Any PVC or TPE jacket degrades with age, UV exposure, and flexing. Older Anker USB cables have been reported to develop cracks in the jacket, creating electrical shock or short-circuit risk. This is a mechanical failure mode, not a chemical one, but it triggers replacement need.
Bacterial or mold growth in connector
The USB-C connector has internal surfaces that can accumulate dust, lint, or moisture if stored in damp conditions. This is a cleanliness issue, not a material toxicity issue, but regular inspection and dry storage prevent bacterial growth.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
Copper wire used in electronics-grade cables is typically refined to high purity and does not deliberately contain lead. No recalls or reports of elevated lead in Anker cables are on record. Risk is negligible for normal contact use.
Source, ATSDR ↗Off-gassing or volatile organic compounds
PVC and TPE do not typically off-gas volatile compounds at room temperature in the way foams or adhesives do. No odor complaints or VOC concerns are documented for this product line.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cable uses a copper core for conductivity wrapped in a PVC or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) outer jacket. PVC can leach plasticizers like phthalates under heat stress, but USB-C cables operate at low ambient temperatures and do not typically reach softening points. TPE is more chemically inert and does not require phthalate plasticizers, so if this cable uses TPE as stated, leaching risk is substantially lower.
The brand's record and disclosure
Anker does not publicly disclose detailed material safety or manufacturing certifications for this cable. The brand has not faced widely documented safety recalls for USB cables, and maintains FCC compliance for electronics. Anker's silence on PFAS and phthalate use is consistent with many consumer electronics makers, but does not indicate proactive testing or transparency.
How it compares in its category
USB-C cables are a low-risk product category overall; most hazards come from poor electrical design (fire risk) rather than material toxicity. Anker cables are mid-market in cost and reputation, with generally favorable durability reviews. Premium alternatives (Apple, Belkin certified) offer similar material safety profiles but at higher cost; budget alternatives may use lower-grade PVC with higher plasticizer content.
If you buy it
Store the cable away from direct heat sources and sharp bends, which can degrade the jacket and expose the copper core. Do not use if the outer jacket shows cracks, peeling, or discoloration. Replace after 2-3 years of regular use or sooner if damage appears, as degraded insulation increases electrical hazard. Avoid wrapping tightly around heated objects like phone chargers.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Anker has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof personal electronics 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.