Google · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Ghostek Nautical Slim Waterproof Case for Google Pixel 9 Pro
Waterproof phone case, coating chemistry undisclosed, moderate PFAS concern.
Ghostek's Nautical case uses a waterproof treatment, but brand does not disclose coating composition. Waterproof phone cases often use PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments; no independent testing available for this model.
The safe swap
Rhinoshield
iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polycarbonate/TPU blend with unspecified waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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
This case combines polycarbonate (rigid outer shell) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, flexible edges) with an unspecified waterproof coating. Polycarbonate and TPU themselves are stable plastics at normal phone-use temperatures and do not typically leach BPA or phthalates when unexposed to heat or solvents. The waterproof coating chemistry is not disclosed by Ghostek or Google; coatings achieving water resistance in consumer electronics often rely on Teflon-type coating-based or siloxane-based chemistries, some of which may contain PFAS or PFAS precursors.
The brand's record and disclosure
Ghostek is a third-party accessory brand owned by Ghostek IP, not Google. The company has not published material safety data sheets, ingredient disclosures, or PFAS commitments for this product line. Google's official stance on PFAS in third-party accessories is not clearly documented. No recalls or safety violations have been reported for this specific case model as of available records.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases in this price and protection tier typically use polycarbonate/TPU blends; waterproof variants nearly always apply proprietary coatings without public disclosure of chemistry. This case is representative of the market norm: protective, affordable, and opaque regarding PFAS risk. Silicone cases avoid coatings but sacrifice waterproofing; bare polycarbonate cases omit the PFAS concern but offer no water protection.
If you buy it
Store the case away from direct sunlight and heat sources above 60C (140F), as polycarbonate can degrade and potentially leach over extended exposure. Do not deliberately submerge the case repeatedly in chlorinated water or high-pressure washing; use gentle rinsing only. Replace the case if the coating develops visible cracks, peeling, or cloudiness, as degradation may compromise the waterproof seal and increase coating particle shedding. Wash hands after extended handling if concerned about coating particulates.
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.”
Waterproof coating chemistry (undisclosed)
The coating is not publicly specified. Waterproofing in phone cases often uses Teflon-type coating or siloxane chemistries; some formulations may contain or generate PFAS or fluorinated precursors. Without material data, PFAS exposure risk cannot be ruled out.
Polycarbonate/TPU plastic leaching
Polycarbonate and TPU are not known to leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal ambient phone-use conditions. Leaching risk rises only at sustained elevated temperatures (>70C), unlikely for a protective case.
Coating degradation and microparticles
Over years of use, waterproof coatings can crack, peel, or flake. If coating particles are ingested or inhaled, composition uncertainty makes toxicity assessment speculative; however, small-scale physical degradation poses minimal acute risk for a phone case.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
No recalls or testing have documented lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Ghostek phone cases. Polycarbonate and TPU base materials do not inherently contain these metals unless deliberately added, which is rare in mainstream phone cases.
Allergens or sensitizers from coating residues
No documented cases of contact dermatitis or allergic reaction to Ghostek cases. Coatings are typically cured and stable post-manufacture. Risk remains speculative without coating material disclosure.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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 Personal Electronics Cases
Rhinoshield
iPhone 17 Pro Max SolidX
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Phone case; typical TPE has low PFAS risk but no brand disclosure available.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Rhinoshield
iPhone 16 Pro SolidX
TPU, polycarbonate, and glass back
Phone case, lower concern for PFAS exposure risk.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Spigen
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TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) bumper with polycarbonate back panel
Lower PFAS concern; standard phone case materials lack obvious PFAS indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.