Pelican · Waterproof Camera & Gear Bags
Pelican 1400 Case
Lower concern. Hard plastic case with no waterproofing or coatings.
Pelican 1400 is a rigid protective case made from inherently PFAS-free base plastics with no surface treatments disclosed. No coatings, water-repellent coating finishes, or fabric liners that typically require PFAS.
Shop Pelican on Amazon →Material
polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS plastic
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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 Pelican 1400 uses polypropylene, polyethylene, and ABS plastic, all commodity thermoplastics with well-understood safety profiles in rigid form. These materials are chemically stable at room temperature and do not release significant volatiles or leachates into stored contents under normal conditions. The case has no foam liners, adhesives, or protective coatings that would introduce secondary chemical concerns. Hard plastic cases of this type present minimal direct health exposure pathways compared to products that contact food or skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican Products is known for industrial-grade protective cases but maintains limited public transparency on material sourcing or chemical composition beyond the resin types. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for the 1400 model related to material leaching or off-gassing. The brand does not advertise certifications (e.g., BPA-free, FDA compliance) typical of food-contact plastics, though this is standard for non-food protective equipment. Pelican does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence in case construction.
How it compares in its category
Protective cases in this price and durability tier (hard polypropylene/ABS construction) are broadly similar in material safety profile. Pelican 1400 is at the mainstream end of the market; cases with additional foam liners or chemical treatments may introduce off-gassing or leachate risks not present here. Compared to soft-sided fabric cases or cases with vinyl/PVC coatings, polypropylene construction carries lower concern for volatile organics. The absence of waterproofing coatings (which often contain fluorinated compounds or silicones) is a minor safety advantage.
If you buy it
Store the case in a well-ventilated space for the first week after purchase to allow any initial manufacturing odor (common in new plastics) to dissipate. Do not expose it to prolonged heat (above 80°C / 176°F), as polypropylene can degrade and emit fumes; avoid leaving it in direct sunlight in vehicles for extended periods. Clean periodically with mild soap and water if used to store food items temporarily, though it is not intended for food storage. Replace the case if the plastic becomes visibly cracked, discolored, or begins to emit a chemical odor, as this signals degradation.
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.”
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from virgin plastic
New polypropylene and ABS cases may emit low levels of residual monomers and processing aids during the first days to weeks. This is typically mild and decreases rapidly; airing the case in a ventilated space minimizes exposure.
Plastic degradation and leaching under heat stress
If exposed to sustained temperatures above 70-80°C, polypropylene and ABS can begin to degrade and release monomers or additives. Normal indoor storage poses negligible risk; vehicle heat or industrial settings may warrant caution.
Additive migration (UV stabilizers, flame retardants)
Industrial-grade polypropylene cases may contain UV absorbers or other stabilizers, but migration into stored contents (non-food items) is not a documented concern at room temperature. No specific additive safety issues have been reported for the Pelican 1400.
Microplastic shedding from friction or degradation
With heavy use, plastic surfaces can shed microscopic particles, particularly if the case is scuffed or cracked. Risk is minimal for tool or equipment storage; relevant only if case contents are later consumed as food (not the intended use).
Mold and bacterial growth if sealed while damp
The Pelican 1400 is designed to be water-resistant and airtight, which can trap moisture if sealed while wet. This creates a microenvironment for mold or bacterial growth on stored contents, not from the plastic itself. Allow contents and interior to fully dry before sealing.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 75% 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.
More waterproof camera & gear bags 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.