GoPro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
Fit Still Waterproof Case for Go Pro Hero 13/12/11/10/9
Waterproof case coating unspecified; PFAS risk unclear, skip if concerned.
GoPro does not disclose the waterproof treatment chemistry for this case. Waterproof polymers often contain PFAS; unspecified coating composition warrants caution for sensitive users.
The safe swap
GoPro
GoPro Mission 1 Protective Housing
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Plastic case with waterproof coating/sealant (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
This case is a rigid plastic shell (likely polycarbonate or ABS) with an unspecified waterproof coating or sealant applied to seams and closures. The coating's chemical identity is the critical unknown: waterproof sealants on consumer gear often contain fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or silicone-based polymers to repel water. No GoPro documentation publicly specifies which chemistry is used here, so the coating's leachability into food or skin contact cannot be ruled out, though direct contact risk is low since the case houses electronics, not food.
The brand's record and disclosure
GoPro does not publish material safety data sheets or PFAS stance statements for accessory cases on their website. The company has not faced major product safety recalls related to their cases in recent years, but transparency on coating chemistry is absent. GoPro's primary focus is camera durability rather than chemical disclosure, typical of action-camera brands. No third-party testing of this specific case model for PFAS or coating leaching is available in public databases.
How it compares in its category
Hard plastic waterproof cases (GoPro, Pelican, OtterBox tier) rely on sealed seams and coating or gasket systems. GoPro's case sits mid-market: more affordable than Pelican but less customizable. Most competitors also do not disclose coating chemistry openly. The alternative (soft neoprene sleeves) avoids waterproof coating risk but offers less impact protection; soft cases also may contain neoprene processing residues.
If you buy it
Store the case indoors at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to slow any coating degradation. Do not expose it to prolonged heat (e.g., closed car in summer), as this may increase off-gassing or coating breakdown. Inspect the seal annually for cracks or peeling; replace the case if the waterproof coating delaminates, as the protective function fails and integrity cannot be restored. Wipe interior with a dry cloth before storing to prevent moisture trapping that can degrade the sealant over years.
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 leaching (composition unknown)
The sealant or waterproof treatment on this case is unspecified by GoPro. If fluorinated (PFAS-based) or other reactive polymers, prolonged contact with skin or water over years could result in minor leaching; risk is low because case does not hold food or drink, but cannot be ruled out without manufacturer disclosure.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plastic and coating off-gassing
New plastic cases typically off-gas solvents from manufacturing in the first weeks. No specific off-gassing complaints for GoPro cases are on record, and cases house cameras rather than consumables, so inhaled risk is minimal. Ventilation during first use minimizes any minor exposure.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
As the unspecified waterproof coating ages, it may crack, peel, or flake internally, especially if exposed to temperature swings or UV light. Microscopic fragments could theoretically be released into the case interior; this is not a health risk to the user but indicates seal failure.
Mold or bacterial growth in trapped moisture
If moisture enters the case and is not dried promptly, the sealed environment can promote mold or bacterial film on the interior plastic and sealant surfaces. This is primarily an electronics-protection issue rather than a chemical hazard, but prolonged moisture exposure may compromise coating integrity.
Allergen or irritant potential from unidentified sealant additives
Waterproof sealants may contain epoxy, polyurethane, or silicone additives and catalysts that can cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. No adverse reports are on record for GoPro cases, but direct skin contact with the interior sealant is unlikely in normal use.
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 Camera & Lens Cases
GoPro
Mission 1 Protective Housing
Polycarbonate and silicone housing, lens glass
Lower concern. Standard action camera housing with minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof camera & lens 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.