Pelican · Waterproof Phone & Tech Cases
Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch/Case
Waterproof pouch likely treated; no PFAS disclosure available.
Pelican waterproof phone pouches use water-repellent coating or similar waterproof coatings but provide no material or PFAS information. Waterproof treatments often contain PFAS, though some brands now offer alternatives.
The safe swap
Spigen Tough Armor
iPhone 17 Series Tough Armor T AI MagFit Case
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
Polymer outer shell with waterproof treatment, inner lining 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 Pelican Marine pouch uses a polymer outer shell (likely polyurethane or PVC) treated with a waterproof coating to seal seams and repel water. The inner lining material is not specified by Pelican, which is a transparency gap since lining materials can leach into contact with skin or devices. Waterproof treatments on textiles and polymer cases commonly rely on Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or fluorinated compounds to achieve water repellency, though Pelican has not publicly confirmed or denied PFAS use in this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican Products, Inc. is a well-established manufacturer of protective cases and storage solutions with a general reputation for quality and durability. However, the company has not published a public PFAS policy or material disclosure statement for consumer products, and does not specify waterproofing chemistry on product labels or technical sheets. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to this pouch model are on record in public databases.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone pouches in this category typically use either non-fluorinated silicone seals, PVC with phthalate-free plasticizers, or Teflon-type coating-treated fabrics. Pelican's design is mid-to-premium in durability but offers less chemical transparency than some competitors (e.g., brands that explicitly state PFAS-free waterproofing). Most direct competitors also do not disclose waterproofing agents, making this a category-wide transparency issue rather than a Pelican-specific gap.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the interior lining, especially if damp, to minimize any potential leachable exposure. Do not expose the pouch to heat sources or sunlight for extended periods, as polymer degradation can accelerate leaching. Replace if the seams show visible wear or the waterproof coating begins peeling, as compromised coatings lose efficacy and may shed microparticles. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use and air-dry fully before sealing electronics inside.
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.”
Teflon-type coating/fluorinated waterproofing (PFAS treatment)
Waterproof polymer pouches frequently use Teflon-type coating or C6/C8 fluorinated compounds in coatings. Pelican does not disclose the specific waterproofing agent, so PFAS presence cannot be ruled out; this is the primary chemical concern for this product class.
Phthalate plasticizers in PVC lining
If the inner lining is PVC, older or unspecified formulations may contain phthalates (DEP, DEHP, DBP) used to maintain flexibility. Direct skin and sweat contact with untreated PVC lining raises potential leaching risk, though modern products often use phthalate-free alternatives.
Polymer microparticle shedding on degradation
No documented cases of this pouch shedding microplastics under normal use. Risk is low if the product remains intact, but seam failure or coating peeling could gradually release polymer particles, particularly if exposed to UV or heat.
Heavy metals in dyes or printing
Pelican does not publish dye or pigment source data for this product. If printed graphics are present, cadmium or lead in inks is unlikely in modern manufacture but cannot be confirmed without testing.
Unspecified inner lining composition
The inner material is not disclosed (fabric, foam, or plastic unknown), creating uncertainty about leachables and contact toxicity. This is the second-strongest transparency gap after waterproofing chemistry.
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 Phone & Tech Cases
Spigen Tough Armor
iPhone 17 Series Tough Armor T AI MagFit Case
Polycarbonate and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
No PFAS risk signals detected in this rigid plastic case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen Tough Armor
Samsung Galaxy S24
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate (PC)
Lower concern. Phone case, not high-risk product category.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Spigen Tough Armor
Spigen Galaxy S23 Series Case Tough Armor
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate blend
Lower concern; no known PFAS-prone materials or treatments identified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof phone & tech 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.