Canon · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Canon WP-DC20 Waterproof Case for Powershot S1 IS
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes polycarbonate/urethane case with waterproof seals, 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
Polycarbonate/urethane case with waterproof seals
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.
Polycarbonate stress-cracking and microplastic risk
Polycarbonate can develop fine cracks or stress lines after years of UV exposure or thermal cycling, potentially shedding small plastic fragments. This is a long-term durability concern rather than acute chemical release, but relevant if the case is damaged or stored in harsh outdoor conditions.
Polyurethane gasket degradation
Polyurethane O-rings and seals can harden, shrink, or lose elasticity after 5-10 years, especially if exposed to heat or ozone-rich environments. Degraded seals will fail to waterproof, but pose no direct chemical hazard; replacement gaskets are typically available.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Leaching from housing or seals
Polycarbonate and polyurethane do not leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal use conditions. No published safety testing or complaints have identified leaching from this specific product or material combination.
Coating toxicity or off-gassing
The WP-DC20 relies on mechanical sealing rather than chemical waterproof coatings, so there is no risk of off-gassing formaldehyde, VOCs, or Teflon-family coating fumes during storage or use.
Heavy metals
Polycarbonate and polyurethane do not contain or release cadmium, lead, or antimony under normal conditions. No contaminants are expected to transfer to camera equipment stored inside the case.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The WP-DC20 is constructed from polycarbonate (rigid outer shell) and polyurethane (flexible gaskets and seals). Polycarbonate is a stable, non-leaching thermoplastic at normal storage and use temperatures; polyurethane seals are chemically inert when unexposed to direct solvents or extreme heat. Neither material is known to off-gas volatile organic compounds under typical indoor or outdoor use. The waterproof design relies on mechanical sealing (O-rings and pressure-fit components) rather than chemical coatings, which eliminates concerns about coating degradation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Canon has not published a specific PFAS avoidance statement for this case, but the product design itself contains no Teflon-family coating or treatment. Canon's camera accessories line is not associated with documented recalls or safety controversies related to leaching or chemical off-gassing. The company maintains ISO certification pathways for manufacturing but does not routinely disclose material safety data sheets for consumer-grade protective cases.
How it compares in its category
Hard polycarbonate cases with mechanical seals are the industry standard for camera protection and represent a lower concern option compared to coated neoprene or PVC alternatives, which may off-gas or contain phthalates. The WP-DC20 avoids use of flexible PVC (which can leach plasticizers) and relies instead on more stable urethane and polycarbonate. Its sealed-system design means no water filter maintenance or bacterial growth risk applies.
If you buy it
Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent stress-cracking of polycarbonate over many years. Do not expose the gaskets to oil-based solvents or strong cleaners; rinse seals with fresh water and dry after saltwater use. Replace the O-rings or entire case if seals become stiff, discolored, or lose elasticity, as this indicates degradation. Avoid storing the case in extremely hot vehicles or unventilated spaces for extended periods, though the materials are stable well above typical ambient temperatures.
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.