B+W · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
B+W Master UV Haze MRC Nano Filter
Optical glass filter, likely reduced PFAS risk; no brand disclosure available.
B+W UV filters use optical glass, a generally inert material with low inherent PFAS risk. MRC nano-coating specifics are kept private by the brand, creating minor uncertainty.
The better-graded swap
VEVOR
VEVOR Heavy Duty Weatherproof Hard Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
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Material
Optical glass with MRC nano-coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What B+W Master UV Haze MRC Nano Filter is made of, ingredients and materials
The B+W Master UV Haze filter is precision optical glass (borosilicate-based) with a multi-resistant coating (MRC) nano-layer applied to reduce reflections and protect the glass. The core glass itself is chemically inert and not a source of leaching or off-gassing under normal use. The nano-coating is the only functional chemical layer, and its exact composition is proprietary; B+W does not publicly disclose whether it contains PFOA, PFOS, or other per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, though fluorine-based compounds are common in optical coatings for water and oil resistance.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Unknown / proprietary coating
A coating is recorded with no disclosed chemistry.
Nano-coating composition and leachable unknown
The MRC nano-coating is proprietary and B+W does not disclose whether fluorine-based or PFAS-containing compounds are used. Since the filter does not contact food, water, or skin, ingestion or dermal absorption risk is negligible; hazard is primarily theoretical and tied to unknown manufacturing byproducts.
Glass breakage and sharp edges
Optical glass is fragile and can shatter if dropped or impacted. Broken edges pose a cut hazard during handling or cleaning; this is a mechanical rather than chemical safety concern and inherent to all glass optical products.
What’s reassuring
Coating degradation and particle shedding
No published evidence of nano-coating degradation, flaking, or microparticle release under normal use or storage. Optical glass coatings are extremely durable; visible failure would require impact, abrasive cleaning, or extreme temperature cycling.
Lead
Optical-grade borosilicate glass used in modern filters does not contain lead or cadmium additives. B+W's quality standards are consistent with industrial and scientific optics, which are subject to RoHS and similar restrictions.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Optical glass and thin nano-coatings do not emit volatile organic compounds under normal indoor or outdoor storage and use conditions. No thermal exposure or decomposition occurs in the photographic use case.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
B+W (Schneider Optics, part of the Schneider Group) is a long-established German optical manufacturer with strong reputation in photography and industrial optics, but provides minimal transparency on PFAS use in their coatings. No major recalls or documented safety incidents tied to their filters have been published. The brand does not publicly commit to PFAS reduction or disclose coating chemistry, which limits independent verification of alternatives with lower PFAS concern in their product line.
How it compares in its category
UV haze filters present lower concern as optical accessories because they sit outside the light path (mounted on lens barrel) and never contact food, skin, or consumables. Compared to coated optics used in high-end telescopes or industrial lenses, photography filters see minimal wear and are replaced infrequently, reducing long-term exposure risk. Most competing brands (Hoya, Kenko, Tiffen) employ similar proprietary nano-coatings with equivalent PFAS ambiguity and no greater disclosed safety advantages.
If you buy it
Handle the filter by its edges to avoid fingerprints on the coated glass surfaces; fingerprints do not damage the coating but reduce optical clarity. Store in a clean, dry container or original case to prevent dust settling on the coated surfaces. Replacement is needed only if the glass breaks or the coating visibly degrades (cloudiness, peeling); under normal storage, filters last indefinitely. Clean with lens-grade microfiber cloth and approved optical cleaning solution only; avoid paper towels or harsh solvents.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- B+W has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to B+W Master UV Haze MRC Nano Filter?
- Optical glass lens with multi-coated optical surfaces
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- No PFAS statement found from the brand
- Glass lens (borosilicate or soda-lime glass)
- Optical coating degradation
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Optical glass, aluminum frame, non-coated optical surfaces
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Optical glass fragility and sharp edges
More waterproof camera & lens protection 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.