Nite Ize · Waterproof Phone Cases
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Case
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes plastic shell, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plastic shell
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Case is made of, ingredients and materials
The RunOff case is constructed from a rigid plastic shell, most likely polycarbonate or polypropylene, chosen for durability and water resistance. Nite Ize does not advertise specialized coatings or surface treatments on this model, meaning waterproofing relies on material density and sealed seams rather than fluorinated water repellents. Rigid plastic housings in phone cases present minimal leaching risk to skin or food because contact is incidental and non-thermal. No phthalates, BPA, or antimony contamination has been reported for this brand's case products.
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.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed compartments
If the case is used in wet environments without drying, moisture trapped between the phone and the seal can promote microbial growth. This is a maintenance issue, not a material defect; regular air-drying and gentle cleaning mitigate the risk.
Microplastics
Over 2-3 years of UV exposure and mechanical stress, rigid plastic can become brittle and shed small particles. This risk is low for typical indoor/pocket use but increases with outdoor storage or heavy drop impacts.
Source, EPA ↗Thermal stress and seal failure
Repeated heating (e.g., in a car or near vents) can degrade gasket materials and compromise the waterproof seal. This is a durability issue rather than a toxicological hazard, but may expose the phone to water damage and corrosion.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Leaching from plastic seals or adhesives
No reports of chemical migration from the RunOff case to skin or food. Adhesives used in seam construction are not specified by the brand, but incidental skin contact poses minimal ingestion risk.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Nite Ize is a consumer gear manufacturer with no public PFAS statement or third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, GOTS) on this product. The brand has not been named in major safety recalls or chemical disclosure violations. Company transparency on material sourcing and manufacturing is limited; no independent testing results are available in public databases. Their silence on PFAS chemistry aligns with the product assessment that no water-repellent coating is described.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases vary widely, some use fabric liners that may off-gas formaldehyde resins, while others rely on silicone gaskets that are chemically stable. The RunOff's plastic-only design avoids textile hazards. Competing brands (Spigen, OtterBox, Catalyst) offer similar rigid plastic cases with comparable or identical hazard profiles. Cases with advertised PFAS-based water-repellent coatings (e.g., some Catalyst models) represent a higher chemical burden than this uncoated option.
If you buy it
Clean the case periodically with mild soap and water to prevent bacterial or mold growth in seal crevices; inspect gaskets annually for cracking. Do not expose to prolonged direct sunlight, as rigid plastics can become brittle over 2-3 years. Avoid leaving the case on a hot dashboard or in vehicles in extreme heat, as expansion/contraction may weaken seals. Replace if seams show visible wear, cracks, or water ingress.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Nite Ize has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Case?
- Flax fiber and plant-based resin blend, compostable
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- Coating degradation and durability over time
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- plant-based bioplastic (flax and other plant fibers)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Thermal degradation and warping
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Plant-based bioplastic (compostable blend)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Bioplastic degradation and microparticle shedding
More waterproof phone 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.