Griffin · Waterproof Phone & Tech Cases
Griffin Survivor All-Terrain Case
Skip until Griffin discloses waterproofing chemistry.
Griffin does not publicly disclose PFAS status or waterproofing treatment chemicals. All-terrain cases typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but Griffin provides no transparency.
The safe swap
Spigen Tough Armor
iPhone 17 Series Tough Armor T AI MagFit Case
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
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with waterproofing treatment
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
The Survivor All-Terrain case is molded from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a flexible synthetic polymer with inherent water resistance. The waterproofing treatment applied to meet the "All-Terrain" claim is not publicly disclosed by Griffin, which is the critical gap: unknown whether it contains legacy PFOA/PFOS fluorochemicals, newer GenX replacements, or non-fluorinated hydrophobic coatings. TPU itself does not leach BPA or phthalates under normal phone-contact conditions, but the surface finish integrity determines long-term safety profile.
The brand's record and disclosure
Griffin Technology does not publish material safety data sheets or fluorochemical disclosure statements for consumer cases. The company has not joined the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Gateway or similar transparency initiatives. No public recalls or independent testing of Griffin cases for PFAS or other toxins have been reported in mainstream safety databases. Brand silence on waterproofing chemistry is typical for the protective-case industry but leaves a material knowledge gap.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases are among the least-regulated consumer goods; most competitors (OtterBox, Spigen, Lifeproof) are equally opaque about surface treatments. Cases with explicit non-fluorinated or plant-derived waterproofing (rare, niche brands) command premium pricing. Griffin's pricing and performance sit mid-market; the Survivor line is known for durability and drop protection but not for chemical transparency. For users prioritizing PFAS avoidance, few mainstream cases offer verified non-fluorinated alternatives.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the case exterior, especially for infants or children who may chew edges. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat (avoid car dashboards above 130F) to minimize any potential off-gassing from the waterproofing layer. Do not expose to solvents (alcohol, acetone, oils) which can degrade TPU and potentially release surface chemicals. Replace if the case shows visible cracks, peeling, or cloudiness, signaling coating breakdown.
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 waterproofing treatment
Waterproofing chemistry undisclosed. PFAS is not required for TPU water resistance but is cost-effective and widely used in protective coatings. Griffin has not confirmed avoidance or safe alternatives.
TPU surface degradation
TPU oxidizes and yellows over 1-3 years in sunlight; degraded surface may shed microparticles. Extent of microplastic risk from case wear is not quantified in published studies.
Skin sensitization from coating residues
Unknown additives in the waterproofing layer (colorants, cross-linkers, surfactants) could trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive users. No incident reports for Griffin cases, but risk is inherent to undisclosed chemistry.
Off-gassing from manufacturing residues
TPU itself does not off-gas volatile organics significantly once cured. Any odor from new cases typically dissipates within days and does not indicate PFAS presence.
Heavy metal pigments in colorants
Colored TPU cases may use azo dyes or cadmium-free pigments; no established contamination reports for Griffin cases. TPU does not require lead-based stabilizers unlike rigid plastics.
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 Phone & Tech Cases
Spigen Tough Armor
iPhone 17 Series Tough Armor T AI MagFit Case
Polycarbonate and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
No PFAS risk signals detected in this rigid plastic case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen Tough Armor
Samsung Galaxy S24
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate (PC)
Lower concern. Phone case, not high-risk product category.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen Tough Armor
Spigen Galaxy S23 Series Case Tough Armor
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate blend
Lower concern; no known PFAS-prone materials or treatments identified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof phone & tech 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.