Pelican · Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Voyager Magsafe iPhone 17 Pro
No PFAS disclosure. Waterproof smartphone cases often use Teflon-family coating coatings.
Pelican does not publicly disclose PFAS status for this case. Protective phone cases frequently contain water-resistant coatings that may rely on PFAS chemistry. Request material safety data sheet from Pelican for certainty.
The safe swap
Tech21
Tech21 EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
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
Polycarbonate with MagSafe, drop-tested coating
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 is injection-molded polycarbonate, a rigid thermoplastic chosen for impact absorption and drop protection. Polycarbonate itself does not leach BPA in normal use at room temperature (unlike certain food containers), but the MagSafe and waterproof coatings are the concern. Pelican applies a drop-tested protective coating; waterproof smartphone cases commonly use Teflon-family coating resin layers to achieve seal integrity, which is where PFAS compounds typically hide in this product category.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican manufactures rugged cases and protective equipment with a reputation for durability testing but has not publicly disclosed PFAS-free certification or coating chemistry for this line. The brand's silence on Teflon-family coating composition is typical of the mobile accessories industry and does not indicate a deliberate cover-up, but it does mean consumers cannot verify what water-barrier additives are present. No major recalls or documented chemical hazards specific to Pelican phone cases have been published.
How it compares in its category
Polycarbonate cases occupy the middle ground: more durable than TPU-only designs but less chemically transparent than metal-frame alternatives. Most waterproof phone cases from brands like OtterBox and Spigen use similar Teflon-family coating-based coatings without disclosure. Pelican's drop-tested coating is a legitimate durability advantage, but it does not reduce PFAS uncertainty relative to competitors. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, no major smartphone case brand currently offers verified PFAS-free waterproofing.
If you buy it
Inspect the case quarterly for coating cracks, peeling, or visible wear, especially around the MagSafe ring where stress concentrates. Avoid prolonged contact with skin or food preparation surfaces if the coating is damaged. Do not intentionally heat the case or expose it to solvents (alcohol, acetone), which can degrade polycarbonate and any Teflon-family coating layer. Replace the case if the waterproof seal or drop-protection coating shows signs of failure, as its primary safety function depends on coating integrity.
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-family coating PFAS exposure (waterproofing layer)
Waterproof smartphone cases typically use Teflon-family coating resins containing PFAS compounds. Pelican has not disclosed the specific chemistry of its coating. Direct skin contact during normal handling poses minimal risk, but damage to the coating or prolonged contact with moist areas could increase leachate potential.
Polycarbonate leaching under stress or temperature
Polycarbonate does not leach significant quantities of BPA or other monomers at room temperature in casual smartphone case use. High heat (above 60°C) or aggressive solvents could theoretically degrade it, but this is not a documented hazard in normal phone case operation.
Coating degradation and particle shedding
Drop-tested coatings on polycarbonate can chip or peel over time, especially at stress points like the MagSafe attachment. If the Teflon-family coating fragments, microscopic particles could contact skin or be ingested if the phone is used near food; extent of risk depends on coating composition.
MagSafe metal alloy corrosion or nickel leaching
Pelican does not disclose the specific metal composition of the MagSafe ring. Most smartphone case MagSafe components use stainless steel or nickel-plated alloys. Nickel sensitivity is a known contact allergen, but incidence is low and direct exposure from a case is minimal unless the coating is worn away.
Bacterial growth in waterproof seals and gaps
Sealed or tight-fitting cases create humid microclimates where bacteria and mold can colonize, especially if the case remains moist for extended periods. This is a general waterproof case hazard unrelated to material toxicity but relevant to hygiene and prolonged skin contact.
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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Tech21
EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Polycarbonate phone case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
TechWoven MagSafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro
Woven fabric composite with elastomer MagSafe attachment
Limited PFAS risk from material choice, but no brand disclosure
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe
Woven textile blend with MagSafe metal ring
Lower concern; typical smartphone case materials lack PFAS triggers.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartphone & 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.