Anker · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable 100W
Low risk. Standard cable materials lack inherent PFAS triggers.
USB-C cables typically use PVC, copper, and standard plastics without known PFAS drivers. Minimal chemical treatment risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
PVC outer jacket, copper wire, standard polymer insulation
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 plasticizers in PVC
Standard PVC formulations may contain phthalates as softeners, but exposure pathway for a cable is limited to hand contact. No toxicological concern is established for brief skin contact with intact cable jackets; risk applies to ingestion or chronic inhalation.
Electrical safety and insulation integrity
Anker USB-C cables have been tested by independent reviewers and pass voltage/current safety standards. Occasional individual cable failures have been reported (short lifespan, connector failure), but these are durability issues, not toxicological hazards.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
PVC thermal degradation
PVC jacket remains chemically stable during normal USB charging (heat output negligible). Risk only emerges if cable is placed near external heat sources above 60 C, which is not typical use.
Copper wire corrosion and oxidation
Copper conductors are protected by polymer insulation and do not contact skin. Internal oxidation does not compromise safety unless moisture penetrates the jacket, which is visible failure.
Microplastic shedding from jacket wear
PVC cables may shed microscopic particles if the jacket is repeatedly bent or abraded over years of use. Exposure is minimal and environmental impact is the primary concern rather than personal health risk.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cable uses a PVC outer jacket over standard copper wire conductors with polymer insulation, which is typical for mass-market USB cables. PVC itself is stable under normal electrical use and does not leach or degrade into the air or onto your hands during handling. The copper core and insulation are industry standard and carry no known toxicity risk at rated power levels (100W/5A). The main material concern with PVC is environmental disposal, not consumer exposure during use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Anker is a major consumer electronics brand with no known product recalls or safety controversies tied to USB cables or general cord materials. The company does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or third-party certifications for individual cables, which is common in this category. Anker products typically comply with FCC and CE safety standards for electrical performance. No PFAS-related statements or commitments have been published by the brand.
How it compares in its category
USB-C cables from mainstream brands (Anker, Belkin, Amazon Basics) use nearly identical material compositions and pose equivalent safety profiles. Premium brands sometimes advertise jacket materials (TPE, nylon) but these offer durability gains rather than safety advantages. Budget cables carry identical material risk; price reflects build quality and lifespan, not toxicology. No credible evidence suggests one brand's PVC formulation has lower PFAS concern than another at this price point.
If you buy it
Store the cable at room temperature away from direct heat sources; PVC begins to soften above 60 C (140 F), though normal charging does not generate this heat. Replace the cable if the jacket cracks, splits, or exposes wire, as this creates electrical hazard rather than chemical leaching. Coiling tightly can stress the jacket over years of use; loose storage extends lifespan. The 100W rating is legitimate and suitable for standard laptops and tablets; do not exceed 5A at 20V.
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.