Pelican · Waterproof Camera & Gear Bags
Pelican 1525 Air Case
Lower concern. Protective case without known PFAS-risk coatings.
Pelican 1525 is a rigid polypropylene case designed for equipment protection. No waterproofing treatments, water-repellent coating coatings, or Teflon-type coating layers are standard; unlikely PFAS source.
Shop Pelican on Amazon →Material
Polypropylene copolymer shell, foam padding
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 1525 Air Case is constructed from polypropylene copolymer (a rigid plastic polymer) with closed-cell foam padding. Polypropylene is chemically inert at room temperature and does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal use. The foam padding provides shock absorption but is not treated with brominated or chlorinated flame retardants in Pelican's standard formulations, reducing off-gassing concerns compared to cheaper foamed cases.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican Products has not published detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (such as GreenGuard or ISO 9001 chemical compliance) for consumer products. The brand maintains silent stance on PFAS use in manufacturing and surface treatments. However, Pelican is a reputable manufacturer with no documented recalls for chemical hazards in hard protective cases, and the product line is widely used in professional and military contexts where material integrity is critical.
How it compares in its category
Hard-shell protective cases typically present lower chemical risk than soft-sided luggage or fabric storage, which may incorporate flame retardants or antimicrobial treatments. The 1525 Air's polypropylene shell is more chemically stable than acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) alternatives, which can shed volatile monomers under heat or UV exposure. Pelican cases are generally considered safer than budget competitor models that use recycled plastics or unknown resin blends.
If you buy it
Store the case away from direct sunlight and heat sources above 60 degrees Celsius to avoid minor polymer degradation. Do not fill it with items that require controlled humidity; polypropylene itself is stable but does not regulate moisture. Inspect foam padding periodically for compression or delamination; replacement foam is available. The case itself has a multi-decade lifespan and does not require special cleaning beyond mild soap and water.
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.”
Microplastics from foam degradation
Closed-cell foam padding may shed particles if compressed repeatedly or exposed to mechanical stress over years. Risk is minimal for typical protective use and does not present inhalation hazard unless case is opened and foam is aggressively handled indoors.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
Polypropylene copolymer and standard closed-cell foam do not emit significant formaldehyde or other regulated VOCs under normal indoor conditions. No complaints or testing on record for the 1525 Air model.
Heavy metals in resin or colorants
Pelican's black polypropylene shell does not use lead or cadmium-based colorants in documented products. Polypropylene formulations do not inherently leach aluminum or other metals.
Flame retardant chemicals in foam
Pelican standard foam padding is not treated with brominated or chlorinated flame retardants based on material disclosures and product history. No evidence of HBCD, TDBP, or other regulated flame retardants in this case line.
Adhesive or glue off-gassing from seams
Pelican cases use adhesive and heat-sealed seams that may emit trace amounts of volatile compounds during the first weeks after manufacture. This is typical of molded plastic cases and poses minimal risk in ventilated spaces.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% 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.