Pelican · Waterproof Phone Cases
Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch
Waterproof coating not disclosed; higher PFAS risk likely.
Pelican does not disclose waterproof treatment materials or PFAS status. Waterproof pouches typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS.
The safe swap
Apple
Apple iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
PVC or TPU waterproof lining, coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Phthalates
If PVC is the primary material, phthalates added for flexibility could leach into prolonged contact with skin or sweat in warm conditions. No specific test data available for this model; risk is material-class baseline.
Source: ATSDR ↗TPU degradation and off-gassing
If TPU is the lining material, exposure to heat, UV, or salt water over months can cause breakdown and release of volatile organic compounds or unreacted monomers. This is typical degradation, not manufacturing defect, but accelerated if stored in hot vehicles.
Microplastic shedding from coating wear
As the waterproof coating chips or peels with age and friction, small particles may enter water or skin contact. No data on coating formulation or durability limits for this product.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Pelican does not disclose pigment composition. High-visibility colored waterproof pouches sometimes contain cadmium or lead compounds in surface dyes, though modern suppliers typically avoid them; no recalls flagged for this product.
Source: FDA ↗Allergen or irritant fragrance additives
No evidence this product contains intentional fragrance, though some waterproof coatings release isocyanate odors during curing. If new, airing out before skin contact is prudent.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pouch uses PVC or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) as the waterproof liner, neither inherently toxic at rest. The critical unknown is the waterproof coating or water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to achieve flotation and sealing performance. Pelican does not disclose the chemical nature of this coating, which is where PFAS compounds are typically introduced in marine equipment to create water-shedding properties.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is a manufacturer known for protective equipment and cases but has not published transparency statements on PFAS use in waterproof coatings or commitments to phase them out. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product model. The brand's silence on coating chemistry is notable given industry-wide scrutiny of water-repellent coating finishes in water-contact gear.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone pouches as a category frequently rely on PFAS-containing water-repellent coating coatings because they are effective and durable. Some competitors (notably Dry Bags by other makers) have begun listing PFOA-free or non-fluorinated options, making Pelican's lack of disclosure stand out as less progressive. This product sits in the mid-market segment where cost prioritizes performance over chemical transparency.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the pouch itself, particularly on sensitive skin or in warm conditions when off-gassing may increase. Do not expose to direct heat or place in a hot car, as PVC and TPU can degrade and leach plasticizers if heated. Rinse the exterior after salt water use to prevent coating degradation that may expose underlying materials. Replace if the waterproof layer cracks, peels, or degrades, as this signals protective failure and potential chemical exposure during continued use.
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
- Pelican has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.