Canon · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Canon WP-DC17 Waterproof Case for Camera
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes rubber, polycarbonate, 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
Rubber, polycarbonate
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Rubber gasket degradation over time
Natural and synthetic rubber seals can harden, crack, or lose elasticity with age, UV exposure, and temperature cycling. This directly undermines the waterproof function and is a maintenance issue, not a chemical toxicity hazard, but requires periodic inspection.
Mold or bacterial growth inside sealed case
If moisture enters through a compromised seal or if the case is sealed while damp, mold can grow inside the confined space. This is a maintenance risk rather than a material hazard, but emphasizes the need to store the case dry and open when not in use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Polycarbonate chemical leaching
Polycarbonate housing in waterproof cases is not known to leach BPA or other monomers into stored cameras or lenses during normal dry storage. The case is designed to keep water out, not contact food or drink.
Metal attachment point corrosion or leaching
No uncoated copper, cadmium, or lead-containing fasteners are documented in the WP-DC17 specifications. Stainless steel or anodized aluminum attachments are standard in this product class and do not pose leaching risk under normal conditions.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The WP-DC17 uses rubber gaskets and polycarbonate (rigid plastic) housing to create a sealed, waterproof enclosure. Polycarbonate is a durable engineering plastic that resists impact and water penetration without needing surface coatings; rubber seals provide the primary waterproofing. Neither material is known to leach harmful chemicals into the camera or lens during normal storage and use, and neither will off-gas in the way softer plastics or adhesives might.
The brand's record and disclosure
Canon has not made a public PFAS statement regarding this product, and no PFAS-based water repellent coating is documented in available technical specifications. Canon's broader environmental and chemical disclosures are modest relative to some competitors, but there are no established recalls or safety controversies specific to the WP-DC17. The product has been in market for over a decade with stable consumer and professional use.
How it compares in its category
Hard-sided waterproof camera cases typically rely on polycarbonate or similar plastics with rubber seals, making the WP-DC17 conventional in design. Soft-sided neoprene alternatives pose slightly more off-gassing risk if stored in heat; hard cases avoid that. Competing waterproof housings from Olympus and GoPro follow similar material strategies, with comparable documentation gaps on chemical coatings.
If you buy it
Inspect rubber seals annually for cracks or hardening, especially if stored in direct sunlight or high heat. Rinse the case with fresh water after saltwater exposure to prevent corrosion of any metal attachment points. Do not expose the closed case to prolonged heat above 60 degrees Celsius, as this may degrade the rubber gasket seal. Replace the case if the seal visibly deteriorates or if the closure mechanism becomes loose, as waterproofing will be compromised.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Canon has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.