B+W · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection
B+W Master UV Haze MRC Nano Filter
Optical glass filter, likely lower PFAS risk. No brand disclosure available.
B+W UV filters use optical glass, a generally inert material with low inherent PFAS risk. MRC nano-coating specifics are undisclosed by the brand, creating minor uncertainty.
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Material
Optical glass with MRC nano-coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Unknown / proprietary coating
Proprietary coating with no disclosed chemistry.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The B+W Master UV Haze filter is precision optical glass (borosilicate-based) with a multi-resistant coating (MRC) nano-layer applied to reduce reflections and protect the glass. The core glass itself is chemically inert and not a source of leaching or off-gassing under normal use. The nano-coating is the only functional chemical layer, and its exact composition is proprietary; B+W does not publicly disclose whether it contains PFOA, PFOS, or other per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, though fluorine-based compounds are common in optical coatings for water and oil resistance.
The brand's record and disclosure
B+W (Schneider Optics, part of the Schneider Group) is a long-established German optical manufacturer with strong reputation in photography and industrial optics, but provides minimal transparency on PFAS use in their coatings. No major recalls or documented safety incidents tied to their filters have been published. The brand does not publicly commit to PFAS reduction or disclose coating chemistry, which limits independent verification of safer alternatives in their product line.
How it compares in its category
UV haze filters are one of the safest optical accessories because they sit outside the light path (mounted on lens barrel) and never contact food, skin, or consumables. Compared to coated optics used in high-end telescopes or industrial lenses, photography filters see minimal wear and are replaced infrequently, reducing long-term exposure risk. Most competing brands (Hoya, Kenko, Tiffen) employ similar proprietary nano-coatings with equivalent PFAS ambiguity and no greater disclosed safety advantages.
If you buy it
Handle the filter by its edges to avoid fingerprints on the coated glass surfaces; fingerprints do not damage the coating but reduce optical clarity. Store in a clean, dry container or original case to prevent dust settling on the coated surfaces. Replacement is needed only if the glass breaks or the coating visibly degrades (cloudiness, peeling); under normal storage, filters last indefinitely. Clean with lens-grade microfiber cloth and approved optical cleaning solution only; avoid paper towels or harsh solvents.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Nano-coating composition and leachable unknown
The MRC nano-coating is proprietary and B+W does not disclose whether fluorine-based or PFAS-containing compounds are used. Since the filter does not contact food, water, or skin, ingestion or dermal absorption risk is negligible; hazard is primarily theoretical and tied to unknown manufacturing byproducts.
Coating degradation and particle shedding
No published evidence of nano-coating degradation, flaking, or microparticle release under normal use or storage. Optical glass coatings are extremely durable; visible failure would require impact, abrasive cleaning, or extreme temperature cycling.
Glass breakage and sharp edges
Optical glass is fragile and can shatter if dropped or impacted. Broken edges pose a cut hazard during handling or cleaning; this is a mechanical rather than chemical safety concern and inherent to all glass optical products.
Lead or cadmium in glass or coating
Optical-grade borosilicate glass used in modern filters does not contain lead or cadmium additives. B+W's quality standards are consistent with industrial and scientific optics, which are subject to RoHS and similar restrictions.
VOC or formaldehyde off-gassing
Optical glass and thin nano-coatings do not emit volatile organic compounds under normal indoor or outdoor storage and use conditions. No thermal exposure or decomposition occurs in the photographic use case.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection
B+W
67mm UV Haze Filter
Glass optic with multi-coated lens surfaces
Lower concern. Optical glass and standard coatings unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
B+W
UV Haze 010 Filter
Optical glass lens with multi-coated optical surfaces
Lower concern. Optical glass filters rarely use PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
B+W
Basic Clear Filter MRC
Optical glass, multi-coated
Lower PFAS concern. Optical glass filters rarely use PFAS-based coatings.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof camera & lens protection 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.