Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
Lowepro Hardside CS 80 Camera Case
Waterproof camera case likely has water-repellent coating; Lowepro does not disclose PFAS status.
Hardside camera cases typically use waterproof treatments that may contain PFAS. Lowepro provides no public disclosure of PFAS avoidance or use in this product.
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
Hardside polycarbonate shell, unknown interior foam padding and 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
The Hardside CS 80 uses a polycarbonate shell, a rigid plastic chosen for impact resistance and durability in camera protection. The interior foam padding composition is not disclosed by Lowepro; typical camera case foams are polyurethane or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in warm conditions. The waterproof coating applied to the shell and seams is the main unknown: hardside cases marketed as waterproof typically use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings, many of which have historically contained PFAS compounds for their water-shedding properties.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro (owned by Vitec Group) does not publish material safety data sheets, PFAS disclosure, or chemical composition details for its camera cases on standard public channels. The brand has not issued public statements on PFAS elimination, restricted substance compliance, or third-party chemical testing. No recalls or safety controversies specific to the Hardside CS 80 are on record. This silence on composition and coating chemistry is typical for the protective gear category, but it means end-users cannot verify the absence of PFAS or other restricted chemicals.
How it compares in its category
Hardside camera cases universally rely on water-resistant coatings to meet their core function; the CS 80 is not unusual in this respect. Most competitors (Pelican, Storm Case, Nanuk) likewise do not disclose PFAS status in their coatings. Soft-sided or backpack-style cases avoid this specific coating issue but sacrifice impact protection. The polycarbonate shell itself is stable and does not leach or degrade in normal indoor or outdoor use, making it less hazardous than some foam-core alternatives.
If you buy it
Unpack the case outdoors or in a well-ventilated space to allow any foam off-gassing to disperse before storing camera equipment inside for extended periods. Store the case away from direct heat sources (above 50C) to minimize volatilization of coating or foam components. The polycarbonate shell is not heat-sensitive under normal conditions and can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Replace or air-dry the interior foam if it shows visible degradation, discoloration, or persistent odor after months of use.
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.”
Interior foam off-gassing (VOCs)
Lowepro does not specify foam type (polyurethane vs. EVA); polyurethane foams can release volatile organic compounds (formaldehyde, isocyanates) in warm or enclosed conditions. Risk is low in normal ventilated storage but may accumulate in sealed camera bags in hot vehicles.
Waterproof coating composition (likely PFAS, assessed separately)
water-repellent coating-coated hardside cases almost universally rely on fluorinated polymers or PFAS compounds for water repellency. Lowepro's silence on this ingredient and absence of 'PFAS-free' marketing strongly suggests use of conventional water-repellent coating chemistry; risk of skin/inhalation exposure is minimal in normal handling but coating durability and reapplication practices are unknown.
Polycarbonate shell degradation under UV or impact
Polycarbonate is chemically stable and does not leach BPA or other endocrine disruptors under typical storage and use conditions. Prolonged outdoor UV exposure can cause yellowing and minor brittleness, but this is cosmetic and does not release hazardous substances.
Latches and hardware corrosion or wear
No material composition of latches or seals disclosed; if nickel-plated or stainless steel, corrosion risk is minimal. Repeated opening/closing may degrade seals, reducing waterproofing but not creating acute hazards.
Microplastics from foam abrasion
Interior foam may shed particles over years of use, especially if compressed repeatedly. Microplastic migration to stored camera sensors or food contact is not a design concern for this product, but inhalation risk during maintenance is negligible.
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 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.