· Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
WATER PROOF USB Cable
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes rubber/plastic cable, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Rubber/plastic cable
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.
Rubber/plastic plasticizer migration
Rubber jacketing may contain phthalates or other plasticizers to maintain flexibility. Direct contact risk is low because the cable is exterior-use only, but plasticizers can off-gas into enclosed spaces (e.g., inside a bag). No testing data from OnePlus is available.
Connector corrosion and leachate
The metal connectors (typically brass or nickel-plated) can corrode if the seal fails and saltwater or contaminated freshwater enters. Corrosion byproducts are unlikely to cause harm in use, but prolonged exposure to a corroded connector could transfer trace metals. Maintenance and prompt replacement if seals degrade will prevent this.
Microplastic shedding from rubber degradation
Rubber cable jackets can shed microparticles as the material ages, especially if flexed repeatedly or exposed to UV. Particles remain on exterior surfaces and present no direct hazard in typical use, but may contribute to environmental microplastic load if discarded improperly. This is a lifecycle issue, not an acute safety risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
Rubber often uses zinc oxide or barium sulfate as fillers and pigments. OnePlus waterproof cables are not typically marketed with metallic pigments, and no documented leaching incidents exist. Risk is minimal for a non-food-contact product.
Source, FDA ↗Thermal stability of rubber insulation
Rubber can soften or degrade if exposed to sustained heat above 60C (140F). OnePlus cables are designed for low-power data transfer and should not generate significant heat; no thermal failure incidents are documented. Normal phone charging does not pose a risk.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
OnePlus waterproof USB cables use rubber or plastic jacketing around the copper conductors, with sealed connectors to block water ingress. The waterproofing comes from material density and mechanical seals rather than applied coatings, which reduces risk of leachable additives. Rubber compounds may contain plasticizers and fillers, but these are encased and not in direct contact with skin or food. The cable is designed for external use only, not food contact or sustained skin exposure.
The brand's record and disclosure
OnePlus has not published a formal PFAS safety statement for this product line. The brand does not claim third-party certification for cable safety (such as UL or CE marks specific to leachables). No recalls or safety complaints specific to OnePlus waterproof USB cables for chemical hazards are documented in public records. OnePlus' parent company (BBK Electronics) does not maintain a transparent chemical disclosure policy comparable to major appliance manufacturers.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof USB cables as a category rarely undergo leachate testing because they are not food-contact or extended skin-contact items. OnePlus positioning (premium smartphone accessory) places it above off-brand dollar-store alternatives, which may use lower-grade rubber with higher heavy metal filler content. Third-party waterproof cables from brands like Anker or Belkin similarly lack public chemical safety data; OnePlus is not an outlier. The rubber material itself is inert when not degraded, making this category lower-risk than cookware or textiles.
If you buy it
Store the cable away from direct heat sources and UV light, as rubber degrades over time and may release odors or particles when cracked. Do not bend the cable sharply or coil it tightly around devices, as this can fracture the rubber jacket and expose conductors. Replace the cable if the rubber shows visible cracks, discoloration, or stiffness. Clean the connectors with a dry cloth; avoid soaking in water despite the waterproof rating, as repeated water exposure can eventually degrade seals.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- 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.