Google · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Punkcase Waterproof IP68 Case for Google Pixel 7a
Skip. Waterproof phone cases often use PFAS coatings; no disclosure.
Punkcase cases use TPU with waterproof treatment but provide no PFAS information. Waterproof electronics cases frequently rely on fluorinated compounds for water resistance.
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
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with waterproof coating, unspecified
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
Punkcase cases are constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a flexible plastic polymer that is inherently non-toxic and free of BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals when uncontaminated. TPU itself does not off-gas formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds under normal room-temperature use. However, this product applies an unspecified waterproof coating to achieve IP68 rating; such coatings in the phone-case industry are frequently Teflon-family coating-based systems that may contain or degrade into PFAS compounds, though the exact formulation is not disclosed by the brand.
The brand's record and disclosure
Google (the listed brand) does not publish material safety data sheets, chemical composition details, or sustainability/toxicity certifications for third-party accessory products like this Punkcase case. Punkcase as a manufacturer also maintains no public disclosure of waterproof coating chemistry or PFAS testing. Neither brand has acknowledged or ruled out PFAS in their waterproof phone-case lines. This silence is common in the phone-case market and does not confirm hazard, but it prevents independent verification of coating safety.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases (IP67-IP68 rated) overwhelmingly rely on fluorinated polymer coatings or sealed seams that may involve PFAS; hard plastic cases or fabric wraps with minimal waterproofing avoid this issue but sacrifice waterproofing. Punkcase is mid-range in the protective case market and offers comparable waterproofing to competitors (OtterBox, Spigen) without published chemical differentiation. For this use case, most competitors operate under identical transparency gaps regarding coating composition.
If you buy it
Minimize direct skin contact with the case exterior, especially during manufacturing off-gassing (first few days of ownership); store in a well-ventilated space. Do not expose to heat above 60°C (140°F), as TPU softening and coating degradation accelerate at higher temperatures and may increase leaching. Wash hands after extended handling if you have sensitive skin or dermatological conditions. Replace the case if the coating visibly peels, cracks, or degrades, as waterproof integrity loss may accompany leachable-material exposure.
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.”
PFAS in waterproof coating (separate grade: 40/100)
Unspecified waterproof topcoat almost certainly contains fluorinated polymers or surfactants; common in IP68 phone cases. Brand silence and no third-party testing results prevent confirmation, but prevalence in category is high.
TPU base-material leaching (non-PFAS)
TPU itself does not leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal use; no contamination or degradation reported for Punkcase TPU formulations. Risk increases only if coating fails or product is heated above 60°C.
Coating degradation and microparticle release
Waterproof coatings on phone cases can flake or peel with age, dropping microscopic particles; no specific data exists for Punkcase durability, but common in lower-cost protective cases after 1-2 years of use.
Off-gassing of volatile compounds from coating
New waterproof cases may emit odors during the first week, indicating residual solvents or reactive monomers from the coating application process. This is typically mild and self-resolves but suggests incomplete cure or residual chemistry.
Skin sensitization from unidentified additives
Users with sensitive skin or latex/polymer allergies occasionally report irritation from prolonged contact with TPU cases; no Punkcase-specific allergy reports on record, but TPU formulations vary by supplier and may contain contact allergens.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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
TPE/thermoplastic elastomer protective case
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
Cryo Armor Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max
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.