Spigen · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Pkpower Usb-c Charging Cable Cord Wire for Power Banks for iWalk, Spigen PocketBoost, Iniu, RAVPower, Bonai, Anker Usb-c
Lower concern. USB-C cable with no water-repellent finish on record.
PVC or TPE cable sheath and copper/aluminum connectors are not materials linked to PFAS. No coating or treatment is on record. The brand has no PFAS statement on record.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
PVC or TPE cable sheath, copper/aluminum connectors
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.
PVC degradation and particle shedding
PVC outer sheath can crack or become brittle over 2-3 years of use or if exposed to heat/UV; microscopic particles may be released but ingestion risk is low. No established health endpoint for PVC particle inhalation from cables in indoor environments.
Bacterial or mold growth under moisture
If stored in damp conditions or submerged accidentally, TPE/PVC can trap moisture in micro-cracks, potentially supporting microbial growth. This is a practical storage issue rather than a manufacturing hazard; dry storage prevents it.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Metal connector oxidation
Copper and aluminum contacts will oxidize over time, reducing electrical efficiency and causing intermittent charging. Oxidation products (copper oxide, aluminum oxide) are not acutely toxic but indicate cable degradation; replacement is recommended for function, not safety.
Heavy metals
Cable connectors may contain solder with trace nickel or lead, but these are sealed within the connector housing and pose no exposure risk during normal handling or use. No test data on this specific cable model is publicly available.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cable uses a PVC or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) outer sheath over copper or aluminum conductors, typical for mid-range charging cables. PVC is rigid and durable but less flexible than TPE; TPE is softer and more resistant to cracking at bend points. Neither material leaches toxic substances during normal room-temperature use, though PVC can emit hydrogen chloride if burned at high temperatures (not a consumer concern unless cable is exposed to fire). The metal connectors are standard USB-C contacts, prone to oxidation over years of use but not a chemical safety issue.
The brand's record and disclosure
Spigen is a South Korean consumer electronics accessories brand with no public record of material safety certifications, third-party testing disclosures, or chemical hazard statements for its cables. The company has not issued transparency reports on chemical restrictions or PFAS avoidance. No recalls or safety complaints specific to this cable model appear in public databases. Spigen's silence on material sourcing is typical for the cable accessory market, where disclosure is minimal across the industry.
How it compares in its category
USB-C cables are a low-hazard product category because they carry no substances into food, skin contact is minimal, and they do not release volatile chemicals under normal use. This cable is indistinguishable in safety profile from competitors like Anker, Bonai, or RAVPower branded alternatives, all of which use similar PVC/TPE and copper construction. The main durability difference is sheath thickness and connector gold plating, which affect lifespan but not chemical safety. Certified cables (those tested to USB-IF standards) may have slightly better connector reliability, but Spigen does not advertise such certification.
If you buy it
Store the cable at room temperature away from direct sunlight, as PVC and TPE can degrade and become brittle under UV exposure over years. Do not route the cable through high-heat areas (above 60°C) such as near radiators or in car dashboards during summer, as this can accelerate sheath degradation and increase microscopic particle shedding risk. Inspect the cable quarterly for visible cracks, exposed wires, or discoloration; replace immediately if connectors corrode visibly (white or green oxidation). Normal daily use poses no inhalation or ingestion risk; the cable does not off-gas under typical conditions.
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
- Spigen 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.