Anker · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Anker Zolo USB C to USB C Cable
Low risk. Basic cable uses standard materials without obvious PFAS triggers.
USB-C cable contains standard connectors and polymer jacket with no disclosed water-resistance or special coatings requiring PFAS.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
USB-C connectors, copper/brass contacts, PVC or polyurethane 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.
Electrical safety and insulation integrity
Cheaper third-party USB-C cables have historically had substandard insulation; Anker's brand reputation and certification compliance suggest this is unlikely, but damage from drops or crimping can degrade the PVC jacket and expose conductors.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
PVC plasticizer leaching
PVC jackets in cables typically contain phthalates or other plasticizers, but no established pathway for leaching into food or skin during normal charging; risk is negligible unless cable is chewed or heated above 70°C.
Heavy metals
Copper and brass contacts do not corrode or leach under standard USB-C voltage and current. Lead-free solder is industry standard and not documented as a concern for Anker products.
Source, FDA ↗Microplastic shedding from degraded jacket
PVC jackets do not shed microplastics during normal use. Degradation only occurs with UV exposure, extreme heat, or mechanical abrasion over years; not a concern for typical indoor storage and use.
Off-gassing or odor
No reports of volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from Anker Zolo cables. PVC and polyurethane jackets are stable at room temperature and do not emit formaldehyde or other odorous compounds.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Anker Zolo cables use copper or brass contacts inside USB-C connectors paired with a PVC or polyurethane outer jacket. Neither material is inherently hazardous in this application, copper is electrically stable and non-leaching under normal charge/data transfer conditions, and PVC/polyurethane jackets are standard in consumer electronics worldwide. The low current and voltage profile of USB-C (5V typical) creates no heating stress that would degrade the insulation or release volatile compounds.
The brand's record and disclosure
Anker does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or REACH compliance statements for consumer cables. The company has a solid track record for product recalls when electrical safety issues arise (notably lithium battery incidents in power banks), suggesting responsive quality control. No recalls specific to Zolo USB-C cables have been documented for chemical hazards or coating degradation. Anker's silence on PFAS is typical for the cable category, where fluorinated additives are not standard practice.
How it compares in its category
USB-C cables have lower concern for certain hazards because they carry low power, generate minimal heat, and use standardized connector materials. Anker Zolo sits at the mainstream tier, better than unbranded dollar-store alternatives (which may have poor insulation integrity) and equivalent to most mid-range branded cables from Belkin or Amazon Basics. Premium cables sometimes add shielding or premium jacket materials, but offer no documented safety advantage for typical desk or portable use.
If you buy it
Store the cable at room temperature and avoid coiling it tightly around power adapters, which concentrates heat. Inspect the connector and jacket quarterly for cracks, fraying, or discoloration; any visible damage warrants replacement to prevent short circuits. Do not use the cable in high-heat environments (e.g., near radiators or in direct sunlight for extended periods) as PVC can soften above 60-70 degrees Celsius. Replace every 2-3 years if heavily used, as repeated flexing eventually fatigues the jacket.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% 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.