Pelican · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Pelican Shield Carbon Phone Case for Galaxy S24
Phone case coating composition unknown; Pelican silent on PFAS.
Pelican Shield cases use durable polycarbonate and carbon fiber but provide no public PFAS disclosure. Unknown protective coatings may present concern; contact Pelican directly for transparency.
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Material
Polycarbonate/TPE blend with carbon fiber; coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Unknown / proprietary coating
Proprietary coating with no disclosed chemistry.
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 combines polycarbonate (rigid plastic shell) with thermoplastic elastomer TPE (flexible bumper sections) and carbon fiber detailing. Polycarbonate is BPA-free in modern formulations but can degrade when exposed to high heat, UV light, or harsh chemicals, potentially leaching trace compounds. The unspecified coating on the carbon fiber and shell is the main unknown: it could be a resin, polyurethane, or other protective layer that the manufacturer has not disclosed. Avoid extended contact with heat, solvents, and direct sunlight to minimize any coating breakdown risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is known primarily for rugged protective cases and equipment; they do not publicly disclose material safety certifications, chemical composition, or PFAS testing for phone cases. No major safety recalls for Pelican phone cases are on record, but the brand maintains silence on coating formulation and PFAS content, which is typical of the phone accessory industry. Without independent certification (e.g., UL GREENGUARD, OEKO-TEX) or published Safety Data Sheets, consumers cannot verify the safety profile of coatings or print finishes.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases made from polycarbonate/TPE blends are mainstream and generally considered low-risk for skin contact during normal use because they are not designed to contact food or drinking water. Cases with carbon fiber detailing or unspecified coatings are less transparent than competitors who publish material lists or pursue third-party certification. Most budget and mid-range cases (including this one) do not undergo PFAS or chemical off-gassing testing, making this product representative of industry baseline rather than a premium choice.
If you buy it
Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent polycarbonate degradation and coating breakdown. Do not expose it to high heat (ovens, car dashboards in extreme heat, or dishwashers); clean with lukewarm water and mild soap only, avoiding harsh solvents or bleach. Replace the case if you notice discoloration, brittleness, peeling coating, or strong chemical odors, which may signal material degradation. Wash your hands after extended contact if you have sensitive skin, particularly if the case has been stored in hot conditions.
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.”
Polycarbonate thermal degradation and leaching
Polycarbonate can degrade under sustained heat (above 60-70°C), potentially releasing trace compounds. Phone cases left in hot cars or near heat sources may experience coating or plastic breakdown, though risk is low during normal pocket use.
Unspecified coating composition and off-gassing
The manufacturer has not disclosed the coating on the carbon fiber or shell. Coatings may include polyurethane, epoxy, or other resins that could off-gas volatile organic compounds, especially when new or if exposed to heat. Off-gassing risk is typically mild and short-lived but unknown without disclosure.
Chemical sensitivity and skin contact
No documented dermatological issues with polycarbonate/TPE phone cases from this brand. However, individuals with sensitive skin may react to residual coating materials or dyes; washing hands after prolonged contact is a reasonable precaution.
Microplastic shedding from surface wear
TPE and polycarbonate can shed microparticles over time, especially at edges and under pressure. While the quantity in typical phone case use is minimal, heavy users or those with very textured cases may shed trace plastic particles onto hands and surfaces.
Carbon fiber surface finish durability
Carbon fiber detailing on phone cases is often a decorative coating or veneer rather than solid material. This coating may peel, flake, or degrade with repeated drops or extended exposure to moisture and UV light, potentially exposing the underlying material or adhesive.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.
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More waterproof personal 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.