Tech21 · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Tech 21 10ft Premium Braided Usb-a To ️apple (3m) Cable Fast Charge &
Low risk. Standard USB cable, no chemical treatment typical.
USB cables contain no intentional PFAS unless coated with Teflon-family coating. Standard braided construction carries minimal chemical risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Braided PVC/nylon cable with standard 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 thermal degradation
PVC jacket can release minor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) if exposed to sustained heat above 60°C, though normal USB charging produces negligible heat. Risk is extremely low under typical room-temperature use but increases if cable is coiled tightly near heat sources or stored in hot vehicles.
Connector corrosion and electrical degradation
Standard plastic USB connectors are prone to oxidation and contact wear over time, especially with frequent insertion/removal. This does not pose a chemical hazard but can lead to intermittent charging or failure; the cable itself does not leach metals under normal conditions.
Phthalate plasticizers in PVC
Conventional PVC formulations may contain phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, DBP) to improve flexibility. Tech21 does not specify phthalate-free formulations on product materials. Exposure risk is minimal because the cable does not contact food, skin-barrier areas, or mouth and remains structurally stable without volatilization under typical use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Microplastic shedding from braided jacket
No evidence exists that braided nylon or PVC cables shed microplastics into the environment during normal use. Mechanical wear could theoretically produce fibers, but the quantity and exposure pathway are negligible for a user holding a charging cable.
Heavy metals
Standard USB connectors use brass or nickel-plated contacts; no lead, cadmium, or other restricted substances have been documented in this product category by regulatory bodies. Tech21 does not disclose connector material composition on product labels, but industry norms suggest compliance with RoHS thresholds.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cable uses a braided PVC or nylon outer jacket over copper conductors with standard plastic connectors (USB-A and Lightning). The braided design is primarily aesthetic and functional, offering abrasion resistance and modest durability improvement over solid-jacket cables. PVC and nylon are stable polymers that do not typically leach chemicals during normal charging use, as they carry low electrical current and remain at room temperature.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a consumer electronics accessory brand known for protective cases and cables; no major safety recalls, product complaints, or chemical disclosure failures are on record for their cable lines. The brand does not prominently publish material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (RoHS, REACH) on product pages, which is common for low-cost cable manufacturers but reflects limited transparency. No independent testing or formal hazard documentation specific to this model has surfaced in public databases.
How it compares in its category
Braided USB cables are commodity products; this falls into the mid-market segment in terms of construction quality. Competitors use identical PVC/nylon braiding and connector materials, making this product unremarkable from a chemical safety standpoint. Certified options (MFi-certified, RoHS-verified) exist but command higher prices and offer no documented health advantage for the end user, only manufacturer compliance visibility.
If you buy it
Use the cable at room temperature and away from direct heat sources (ovens, radiators, direct sunlight through windows); extreme heat can degrade PVC and release minor volatiles, though risk is very low in typical indoor storage. Inspect the outer jacket monthly for cracks or exposed wiring; discard immediately if damage appears, as this increases minor shock risk. Replace the cable every 2-3 years or sooner if it shows wear, both to maintain charging efficiency and to refresh the connector contacts.
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
- Tech21 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.