Pelican · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Pelican Shield Carbon Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24
Lower risk profile. These standard materials rarely involve PFAS.
The Shield Carbon phone case uses standard polycarbonate and foam padding that don't typically harbor PFAS. Pelican hasn't disclosed PFAS information and no independent testing exists.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polycarbonate shell, foam padding
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.
BPA & bisphenols
Polycarbonate can contain trace BPA as a monomer; however, migration into skin or saliva during phone-case use is negligible because the case is an external barrier with no direct contact with mouth or food.
Source, FDA ↗Foam padding degradation and particle shedding
Closed-cell foam can degrade over years of use, particularly in high-heat or humidity environments. Shed particles may appear in case crevices but are unlikely to be inhaled or ingested given the case's external location.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
No recalls or complaints on record for VOC odors from Pelican phone cases. Off-gassing from polycarbonate and polyurethane foam is minimal at room temperature and dissipates within days of unboxing.
Heavy metals
Polycarbonate cases do not require heavy-metal pigments for standard black or carbon finishes. No documented incidents or testing reports specific to Pelican Shield Carbon cases suggest contamination.
Source, FDA ↗Allergen risk from material contact
Polycarbonate and polyurethane foam are low-allergen materials with no established sensitization profile in dermatological literature for incidental skin contact during phone handling.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Pelican Shield Carbon uses a polycarbonate (hard plastic) shell with foam padding for shock absorption. Polycarbonate is a rigid, high-impact plastic chosen for durability in protective cases; it does not leach into skin contact or food. The foam padding is typically polyurethane or polyethylene closed-cell foam, selected for cushioning rather than chemical reactivity. Neither material is designed to degrade under normal phone-case use (room temperature, no direct heat).
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is a long-established protective-case manufacturer with no documented product recalls or chemical safety controversies on record for phone cases. The company does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or third-party safety certifications (e.g., ISO, RoHS) for this line. Their brand stance on PFAS and other chemical management remains silent, which is typical for consumer protective-gear makers but limits transparency.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases occupy a low-concern category, they are external protective barriers with no food contact, no heating, and minimal skin exposure during normal use. Polycarbonate cases show slightly higher volatility than silicone and lower rigidity than TPU (thermoplastic urethane); all three materials have lower concern regarding PFAS than older PVC-based phone cases. Pelican's addition of foam padding is a common industry practice and does not introduce new hazards if padding is enclosed and non-volatile.
If you buy it
Use the case in normal environments (avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which may cause minor polymer brittleness over years). Do not intentionally heat the case or expose it to harsh solvents. Replace the case if the polycarbonate shell cracks, as structural integrity is the primary safety function. If foam padding deteriorates or flakes, inspect for loose particles but risk of exposure is minimal given the external design.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.
More waterproof personal electronics 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.