Griffin · Waterproof Phone Cases
Griffin Survivor Waterproof And Catalyst For Iphone 5/ 5s - 4 Colors
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes polycarbonate/thermoplastic, 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/thermoplastic
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Griffin Survivor Waterproof Colors is made of, ingredients and materials
The Survivor Waterproof case is constructed from polycarbonate and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), materials chosen for impact absorption and water sealing rather than chemical reactivity. Polycarbonate is a rigid engineering plastic that does not leach BPA under normal phone-use conditions (room temperature, no prolonged contact with acids or solvents). The TPE gaskets and seals provide the waterproofing function mechanically, without relying on fluorinated water-repellent coatings, which aligns with the PFAS-free assessment.
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.
Microplastics
Extended UV exposure or physical wear to the case edges or seals could theoretically shed microscopic plastic particles; however, this material does not off-gas significantly under normal use conditions and does not fragment into respirable particles indoors.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
Polycarbonate used in phone cases does not readily leach BPA at room temperature or during brief contact with skin oils. The case is not intended for food or beverage storage, eliminating the most common exposure route.
Source, FDA ↗Gasket or seal material leachables
TPE gaskets are not typically treated with problematic additives such as phthalates or heavy metals in modern formulations; Griffin's standard gaskets have no documented safety incidents.
Coating degradation or flaking
The product description does not indicate a painted, powder-coated, or chemical-based waterproof layer; waterproofing is achieved via mechanical seals and the material itself, eliminating coating failure risk.
Adhesive or surface treatment chemicals
No antimicrobial coatings, adhesive patches, or dyes with known hazards (such as azo dyes or formaldehyde resins) are documented for this model.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Griffin Technology (owned by Survivor Products) has not published detailed material safety or PFAS statements, which is typical for accessory manufacturers rather than a red flag. The Survivor line has maintained a reputation for rugged, long-term durability without significant recalls related to material safety or coating degradation. The brand does not market any antimicrobial or special surface treatments, reducing the risk of undisclosed chemical additives.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone cases in this price tier typically rely on mechanical seals and rigid plastics rather than chemical coatings, making the Survivor Waterproof representative of the lower concern end of the category. Cases using Teflon-type coating-based water-repellent treatments, silicone oils, or flame retardants are common but not present here based on available product descriptions. The polycarbonate and TPE combination is a standard, well-established approach with minimal documented health concerns in typical use.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat above 50°C (122°F), as polycarbonate can degrade and potentially warp seals over time. Rinse the case and seals with fresh water after saltwater or chlorinated exposure to prevent salt or chemical buildup that could compromise the seal. Inspect gaskets annually for cracks or hardening; replacement gasket kits are often available from the manufacturer or third parties. Do not apply external waterproofing sprays or coatings, as these may introduce PFAS or other unwanted chemicals.
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
- Griffin has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Griffin Survivor Waterproof And Catalyst For Iphone 5/ 5s - 4 Colors?
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- Coating degradation and durability over time
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- 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.