Pelican · Waterproof Electronics Cases
Pelican Marine Waterproof Case for iPhone XS/X
Waterproof case with unspecified coating, no PFAS disclosure available.
Pelican's marine waterproof cases use proprietary coatings to repel water but do not publicly disclose PFAS use or absence. Standard waterproofing often involves fluorinated compounds; contact Pelican for specific material details if PFAS concern is high priority.
The safe swap
Mous
Mous MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polycarbonate/polypropylene with waterproof 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
This case uses polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP) as the structural base, both thermoplastics with established safety records in consumer electronics when undamaged. The critical unknown is the waterproof coating applied to achieve sealing; Pelican does not publicly disclose its composition, which is typical for proprietary drop-protection formulations. If the coating contains silicone or polyurethane-based hydrophobic layers, risks are minimal; if it uses Teflon-family coating-based water repellents, PFAS exposure becomes possible, though unlikely at high levels in casual contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is a well-established manufacturer of protective cases and has no known major product recalls related to chemical leaching or off-gassing in their polymer cases. The brand does not publish material safety data sheets or coating ingredient disclosure for consumer products, which is standard industry practice but limits third-party verification of hazards. No independent testing or regulatory action against Pelican cases for toxic exposure has been documented in public records.
How it compares in its category
Hard polymer phone cases from major brands (OtterBox, Spigen, Pelican) have similar material profiles and sparse coating disclosures; Pelican's military-grade positioning means coatings may be more durable but not necessarily safer. Soft silicone or TPU cases offer easier material transparency but lower drop protection. This product sits in the mid-to-high protection tier with mid-range transparency, typical for rugged case makers.
If you buy it
Keep the case away from prolonged heat above 60°C (140°F), as polycarbonate can soften and coatings may degrade, potentially releasing monomers. Clean with mild soap and water only; avoid prolonged solvent exposure. Inspect the case periodically for cracks, peeling, or discoloration of the seals, which signal coating breakdown and loss of waterproof integrity. Replace if seals fail, as internal moisture damage to the phone poses greater risk than the case itself.
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.”
Waterproof coating degradation and leachables
The unspecified waterproof coating is the primary hazard; if it contains polyurethane or other reactive polymers, breakdown from UV exposure or heat could release low levels of oligomers or monomers, though skin contact with a case is intermittent and limited.
Polycarbonate monomer leaching (BPA analog)
Polycarbonate itself has not been linked to BPA leaching in rigid phone cases at typical use temperatures; the barrier between your skin and the plastic is continuous, and this product does not hold food or beverages.
Thermal stress and off-gassing
If the case is left in direct sunlight or near heat sources for extended periods, polycarbonate may release trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from residual monomers, though concentrations are expected to be very low in a sealed case.
Grip or surface coatings
Pelican cases often feature grip patterns molded into the plastic rather than applied topical coatings; no reports of dermatitis or allergic reactions from surface contact with this product line.
Seal or adhesive outgassing
Waterproof seals may use rubber or silicone with proprietary adhesives; limited off-gassing possible in new cases but typically dissipates within days of unpacking and airing out.
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 Electronics Cases
Mous
MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
Aramid fiber (Kevlar-type synthetic polymer)
Lower concern; aramid is inherently PFAS-free but verify final coating.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Pelican
Shield Carbon Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24
Polycarbonate shell, foam padding
Lower concern; typical phone case materials rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Amazon Basics
Clear Soft Tpu Smartphone Cover For Iphone 2021
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Lower concern. TPU phone cases rarely use PFAS, but Amazon discloses nothing.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof electronics 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.