Tech21 · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Tech21 4ft USB-A to Lightning Data Cable
Low risk. Standard TPR cable coating rarely uses PFAS.
Tech21 cables use common thermoplastic rubber coating. No PFAS claims or testing available. Standard construction.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) overmold, copper core
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.
Microplastic shedding from TPR jacket degradation
TPR jackets can crack and shed particles over time, especially if kinked or exposed to heat. No data exists on Tech21's specific TPR formulation durability; inspect regularly and replace if jacket shows visible damage.
Copper leaching from exposed core
If the TPR jacket cracks and internal copper is exposed, contact with skin or moisture could cause minor irritation. This is a mechanical failure risk, not a chemical one inherent to the product design. Proper handling prevents exposure.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Connector corrosion or ionic leaching
Lightning connectors are typically nickel or gold-plated; no public incidents of allergic reactions or corrosion reported for Tech21 cables. Standard care (dry use, clean contacts) eliminates risk.
Phthalates
TPR does not require phthalate plasticizers for flexibility. Tech21 cable formulation is not disclosed, but TPR base resin is inherently phthalate-free; risk is negligible compared to older PVC cables.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
TPR and copper do not off-gas formaldehyde under normal use conditions. No smell, irritation, or air-quality concerns are documented for this product category.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cable uses a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) overmold around a copper wire core with a Lightning connector head. TPR is a soft, flexible elastomer chosen for durability and grip comfort rather than chemical toxicity concerns. The copper core conducts power; the TPR jacket provides insulation, strain relief, and protection against kinking. TPR does not require phthalate plasticizers for flexibility, unlike older PVC-coated cables, making it lower concern in this product class.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a subsidiary of Otter Products (parent of OtterBox) known primarily for protective phone cases and accessories. The company does not publish detailed chemical disclosure statements or third-party safety certifications for charging cables. No recalls or public safety incidents have been documented for Tech21 data cables. The brand's silence on PFAS and other restricted chemicals is typical for accessory makers but limits independent verification of supply-chain sourcing.
How it compares in its category
TPR-coated Lightning cables are standard in the mid-market; Tech21's 4ft length and certified Lightning connector place it alongside Apple's official cable and competitors like Anker and Belkin. TPR jackets are generally preferred over PVC for flexibility without phthalates. This product offers no special certifications (e.g., MFi, UL) beyond basic Apple compatibility, which is typical for third-party cables at this price point.
If you buy it
Keep the cable away from extreme heat (above 60°C / 140°F) as TPR can soften and degrade under sustained high temperature. Inspect periodically for cracks, splits, or exposed copper; replace if jacket integrity is compromised. Avoid sharp bends at the connector end to prevent internal wire fracture. Standard use in room-temperature environments poses no recognized leaching or off-gassing risk.
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.