Pelican · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Pelican Storm Case with Foam
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes polypropylene case, polyurethane foam, 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
Polypropylene case, polyurethane foam
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.
Polyurethane foam off-gassing (VOCs)
New polyurethane foam can emit trace volatile organic compounds (primarily alcohols and hydrocarbons) during the first few weeks. This is generally low-level and dissipates with ventilation; no formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane is expected in standard closed-cell PU foam used in cases, but off-gassing has not been independently tested for this specific product.
Microplastic shedding from foam compression
Repeated compression and decompression of polyurethane foam over years can generate fine particles. Risk is low during normal protective storage use, but cases subjected to extreme vibration or temperature cycling may shed small particles into enclosed camera equipment. This is a durability and equipment-contamination issue rather than a human toxicity hazard.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
Polypropylene cases do not require heavy-metal pigments to achieve color; Pelican Storm Cases are typically molded in neutral blacks, grays, or whites using approved synthetic pigments. No recalls or reports of lead/cadmium in Pelican cases exist on public record.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polypropylene
Antimony is sometimes used as a catalyst in polyester fibers and certain plastics, but polypropylene case material does not typically contain antimony. No evidence of antimony use or contamination in Pelican Storm Cases is documented.
Gasket and seal material toxicity
Gaskets are typically elastomeric (rubber or silicone) and are not exposed to food or skin in normal use. Pelican's seals are not documented to contain phthalates or halogenated flame retardants, and direct contact with contents (cameras, electronics) poses no chemical transfer risk under dry conditions.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Pelican Storm Case is constructed from polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for rigidity, impact resistance, and chemical stability. The interior protective foam is polyurethane (PU), a standard cushioning material widely used in protective cases. Polypropylene does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal storage and use conditions, and polyurethane foam, when unexposed to heat or moisture extremes, does not degrade into problematic microparticles. Neither material requires surface coatings to achieve waterproofing; the case achieves IP67 sealing through mechanical gaskets and fit tolerances alone.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican Products is a long-established manufacturer with no public recalls or safety controversies related to chemical leaching from Storm Cases. The brand does not publish a dedicated PFAS policy, and no PFAS-based water repellents or coatings are documented on Storm Cases. Pelican's business-to-business reputation and military/law enforcement customer base incentivize material safety, though the company has not pursued third-party certifications (such as GreenGuard) for consumer cases. This silence on PFAS represents design avoidance rather than unknown risk.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof hard cases often rely on Teflon-family coating coatings (e.g., water-repellent coating finishes) or sealing compounds that may contain PFAS; the Pelican Storm avoids this entirely through robust mechanical sealing. Competing products using injection-molded ABS or polycarbonate with treated seams may introduce microplastics or additives over time; polypropylene is inherently more stable and recyclable. Foam-lined alternatives occasionally use polyester or melamine foams that off-gas formaldehyde; polyurethane foam used here is generally low-emission under normal conditions.
If you buy it
Store the case in moderate temperatures (below 60°C / 140°F) to prevent polyurethane foam degradation, which accelerates in heat. Do not expose the interior foam to direct prolonged sunlight, as UV exposure can cause discoloration and minor brittleness after years. Inspect gasket seals annually for cracks or deformation; replace them if you notice water ingress during transport. The case itself is non-toxic and durable for decades; the foam may compress slightly over 5-10 years of heavy use, but this is a durability issue, not a safety issue.
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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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.