Nanuk · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
Nanuk 920 Camera Case
Waterproof protective case; coating chemistry not disclosed by brand.
Nanuk 920 is a rigid protective camera case with unknown waterproof treatment. Brand provides no PFAS disclosure or third-party verification of coating materials.
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
Polypropylene copolymer shell, waterproof/water-resistant 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
The Nanuk 920 uses a polypropylene copolymer (PP) rigid shell, a thermoplastic that is chemically inert and does not leach monomers or endocrine disruptors under normal storage conditions. The case features a waterproof or water-resistant coating applied to seams and closures, but Nanuk does not publicly disclose the chemical formulation of this coating. Polypropylene itself is considered one of the safer polymers for repeated contact with food or skin, though this product is designed for camera protection, not food storage.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nanuk is a Canadian protective-case manufacturer owned by Plastifoam (now part of the Nanuk-Plastifoam group). The brand does not publish materials disclosures, safety certifications, or PFAS statements on its website or product documentation. No major recalls or toxicity allegations have been publicly documented for this product line. The absence of transparency on coating chemistry is typical for this category of hard-case manufacturers but limits independent assessment of waterproofing agents used.
How it compares in its category
Hard-shell protective cases in this price and durability range typically use polypropylene or ABS plastic with proprietary waterproof coatings; most brands (Pelican, Storm Case, Nanuk) do not disclose coating ingredients. Nanuk's polypropylene construction is lighter and more impact-absorbent than rigid ABS, and PP does not carry the same lead-stabilizer concerns that plagued older plastic cases. This product sits in the mid-to-premium segment with comparable safety profiles to major competitors; no category-wide hazard pattern has emerged for hard camera cases.
If you buy it
Store the case in a cool, dry place and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high heat (above 60 degrees Celsius / 140 degrees Fahrenheit), as polypropylene can soften at elevated temperatures. Do not store food, beverages, or cosmetics inside; this case is designed for electronics and accessories only. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid solvents, acetone, or harsh chemicals that may degrade the coating. Inspect seals and latches annually; replace the case if cracks develop in the shell or if coating visibly peels, as water-resistance and dust-tightness may be compromised.
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.”
Coating leachables (unidentified waterproofing agent)
The waterproof coating chemistry is proprietary and undisclosed. While most commercial waterproofing coatings for plastic cases are water-based urethanes or silicones, a small risk of volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing or residual solvent remains if coating is solvent-applied. Ventilation during initial unpacking is advisable.
Polypropylene thermal stability
Polypropylene does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors at room temperature. However, prolonged exposure to heat above 60 degrees Celsius may cause the polymer to warp or degrade; no toxicity reports exist for this product at normal use temperatures.
Microplastic shedding from coating or seams
Repeated opening, closing, and mechanical stress on the case may cause micro-scale degradation of the waterproof coating or joint sealants over many years of use. While the product is not food-contact, shed particles could theoretically contaminate camera sensors or stored items. This is a wear-and-tear consideration, not an acute hazard.
Heavy metals in pigments or additives (polypropylene stabilizers)
Modern polypropylene production has phased out lead and cadmium-based heat stabilizers in most jurisdictions. Nanuk does not disclose stabilizer chemistry, but as a North American brand, compliance with regulatory standards is likely. No independent test data or recall history suggests heavy metal contamination in this product line.
Mold or bacterial growth on waterproof coating if damp
If the case is stored wet or in high-humidity conditions, the waterproof coating surface (especially at seams) may harbor mold or bacteria if not thoroughly dried first. This is a maintenance issue rather than an inherent material hazard; regular inspection and air-drying after water exposure will prevent this.
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.