Pelican · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Pelican Shield Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Lower concern; typical phone case with no suspected PFAS use.
Pelican phone cases use polycarbonate and rubber, which typically do not need PFAS treatment. No brand PFAS statement is available, though this product type has low PFAS risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polycarbonate shell, rubber grip
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Polycarbonate thermal degradation and leaching
Polycarbonate exposed to sustained heat (above 60°C) or intense sunlight can degrade and potentially release oligomeric compounds. Phone cases in direct sun or against warm skin for extended periods are low-risk, but prolonged exposure to car dashboards in heat could theoretically cause minor leaching; no established recalls for this product.
Rubber grip degradation and allergens
Synthetic rubber grips can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during early use, particularly if formulated with older elastomer chemistry. Latex allergy is not a concern with synthetic rubber, but individuals with contact dermatitis to uncrosslinked rubber accelerators (rare) may react. Pelican does not specify rubber composition or accelerator content.
Microplastic shedding from wear
Any plastic case can shed microparticles from friction, scratches, or minor surface degradation over months of use. For a phone case with minimal food or oral contact, exposure is negligible. Regular users who frequently place the case against their face during calls should be aware of this typical plastic wear process.
BPA & bisphenols
Polycarbonate is synthesized from BPA, but finished cases contain bonded BPA in the polymer matrix. Leaching into skin contact is negligible under normal conditions; risk increases only under extreme heat or chemical exposure. No specific recall history for this product, and risk is lower than food-contact polycarbonate containers.
Source: FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
No public data or recalls document heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium, antimony) in Pelican phone case colorants. Polycarbonate manufacturers typically use organic dyes or carbon black; this is not a known issue in the brand's product line.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Pelican Shield uses polycarbonate (hard plastic shell) combined with rubber grip material. Polycarbonate is a rigid engineering plastic chosen for impact resistance and clarity; the rubber is likely synthetic elastomer (SBR or similar) for comfort and drop protection. Neither material is typically associated with leaching into skin or food contact, making this safer than food-contact plastics or ceramics with problematic glazes.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is a long-established manufacturer known for rugged protective cases with no prominent safety recalls or disclosed chemical controversies in public records. The company does not prominently advertise third-party certifications (such as GREENGUARD or SafetyTested standards) for consumer phone cases, which is typical for the category. PFAS disclosure is absent, consistent with industry silence on this material class.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases are a low-hazard category overall because they do not contact food, skin extensively, or heat sources. Polycarbonate cases are among the safer options compared to cheaper TPU (thermoplastic urethane) alternatives, which can off-gas volatile compounds if poorly formulated. Pelican cases tend toward heavier, more durable construction than budget competitors, which generally reduces degradation and leaching risk over time.
If you buy it
Keep the case away from prolonged direct sunlight and heat above 60°C (140°F), as polycarbonate can become brittle under thermal stress. Wash hands after handling if you have sensitive skin, though allergic reactions to polycarbonate or standard rubber grips are rare. Replace the case if cracks develop, as damaged protective cases may expose the rubber edges or shell interior. No special storage or maintenance is needed beyond occasional wipe-down with a dry cloth.
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 smartphone 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.