PFAS85/ 100Excellent
Overall81/ 100Excellent
Nomad USB C Cable

Nomad · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases

Nomad USB C Cable

Excellent

Lower concern. Aramid fiber material not linked to PFAS in records.

Verdict · BuyAramid-jacketed design eliminates common cable hazards; no reported safety issues; brand transparency gap acceptable for low-risk commodity.

Material as recorded is aramid fiber reinforced cable jacket with copper wire. Aramid is not a material linked to PFAS. The brand has no PFAS statement on record.

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We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade

Material

Aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforced cable jacket, copper wire

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.

90/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
🫧

Jacket degradation and microparticle shedding

Any polymer jacket can degrade over years of flexing or UV exposure. Aramid is more resistant than PVC, but wear and tear may eventually cause small fiber strands to detach; risk is low and exposure is not inhalation-based in typical use.

70/ 100

What’s reassuring

Base material not linked to PFAS

The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.

100/ 100

Conductor corrosion / electrical failure

Copper core is standard; no documented corrosion issues reported for Nomad cables. Risk is minimal unless cable is bent sharply, crushed, or exposed to moisture (not a typical use scenario).

95/ 100
⛏️

Heavy metals

USB-C connectors typically use thin gold plating for corrosion resistance. Nomad does not disclose plating thickness or underlying metal composition. Standard gold plating does not leach into skin during normal contact; risk of exposure is negligible.

Source, FDA
95/ 100

Allergen risk from aramid fiber dust

Aramid fiber (Kevlar) is not a known skin or respiratory allergen in finished product form. Risk only emerges if the jacket is severely abraded and fibers are inhaled; not a concern with normal handling or even moderate wear.

95/ 100

Thermal runaway / fire risk under fault

USB-C power delivery can supply up to 240W in advanced profiles, but Nomad cables are consumer-grade and designed with standard safety margins. No recalls or incidents on record. Aramid jacket actually improves fire resistance compared to PVC alternatives.

95/ 100

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Nomad USB-C cables use aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforcement in the jacket surrounding standard copper conductors. Aramid is a synthetic aromatic polyamide, chemically inert, heat-resistant to ~500°C, and does not leach plasticizers or heavy metals during normal use. This material choice avoids the PVC or rubber jackets common in cheaper cables, which can degrade and potentially emit volatile organics or migrate additives into surrounding materials.

The brand's record and disclosure

Nomad has no documented recalls or safety violations related to USB-C cables in public databases. The company does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or third-party testing for this product line. No certifications (e.g., UL, CE marking details) are explicitly highlighted in marketing materials. The silent stance on PFAS and broader chemical transparency is typical for accessory makers but represents a minor disclosure gap.

How it compares in its category

USB-C cables are a low-hazard category overall because they carry low current/voltage and minimal direct consumer contact. Aramid jackets are more durable than budget PVC alternatives, which are prone to cracking and abrasion-related material shedding. Nomad's reinforced design sits above mass-market cables and below industrial-grade alternatives; pricing and durability align with this positioning.

If you buy it

Store cables away from extreme heat (>60°C ambient) to preserve the jacket's flexibility and copper conductor integrity, though aramid itself is stable well above this. Replace the cable if the jacket develops cracks, fraying, or visible copper exposure to prevent short-circuit risk. Nomad cables are not rated for industrial or outdoor use; treat as indoor consumer electronics accessories. No special cleaning is needed; wipe with a dry cloth if dusty.

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
Nomad has made none

Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.

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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.