iPhone 5 Waterproof Shockproof Aluminum Metal Armor
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes aluminum metal, 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
Aluminum metal
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What iPhone 5 Waterproof Shockproof Metal Armor is made of, ingredients and materials
This case is constructed from aluminum metal, a non-toxic, non-leaching material that does not off-gas or degrade into food or skin contact under normal use. Aluminum is inert and does not harbor BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors that plague plastic cases. The 'armor' design suggests a rigid exoskeleton rather than a soft silicone or TPU interior, which eliminates concerns about plasticizer migration from heated phone surfaces. No coating, enamel, or ceramic glaze is described, so concerns about lead or cadmium in decorative finishes do not apply.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Vague safety claims only
Uses vague language ("eco-friendly", "clean") without a specific PFAS statement.
Gasket or seal material degradation
Waterproof phone cases rely on rubber or silicone gaskets to maintain IP ratings; these can harden, crack, or lose elasticity over time or with repeated thermal cycling, compromising the waterproof seal and leaving the phone exposed. No specific material composition for seals is described in available product information.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed interior
If the case traps moisture or humidity inside due to incomplete drying after water exposure, bacterial and fungal growth can occur in the sealed chamber, particularly in warm or damp climates. This is a maintenance hazard, not a chemical one, but relevant to long-term use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Aluminum corrosion or leaching
Bare aluminum is generally anodized or treated to prevent oxidation and corrosion; no coating or treatment is described for this product. In typical phone case use (dry hand contact, indoor environments), corrosion risk is minimal, and aluminum does not leach toxic metals into food or water under normal conditions.
Heavy metals
Phone case aluminum is typically 6061 or 7075 alloy, which may contain trace copper, zinc, or manganese for structural properties; these elements are not bioavailable through skin contact and pose no established hazard in this application. No specific alloy composition or impurity testing is publicly available for this brand.
Source, FDA ↗Textile or adhesive off-gassing (internal padding)
This case is described as a metal armor design with no mention of foam, felt, or adhesive padding; formaldehyde resin or VOC concerns are not applicable unless interior lining materials are added.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
The brand has no public disclosure record, certifications (ISO, CPSIA, RoHS), or known safety controversies in available sources. The brand does not publicly comment on PFAS, heavy metals, or chemical safety, which is typical for low-cost phone accessory manufacturers. Absence of disclosure is not evidence of a problem, but it means independent verification of material claims is limited. No recalls or hazard alerts are on record for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
Aluminum cases have lower concern than plastic or rubber-hybrid alternatives because they do not leach plasticizers and resist thermal degradation. Most waterproof phone cases combine plastic frame or gasket materials (which may contain phthalates or BPA in lower-tier products) with metal reinforcement; this design appears to prioritize metal throughout, reducing plastic exposure. Cases with internal textile or adhesive padding (common in drop-protection designs) could harbor formaldehyde resins in the lining, but no such interior is described here. The trade-off is that pure metal cases offer less shock absorption than foam or elastomer-lined alternatives.
If you buy it
Inspect seals and gaskets before use to confirm waterproof integrity; these are the weak point in any sealed case and may degrade with age or temperature cycling. Avoid exposing the case to temperatures above 60°C (140°F) for extended periods, as thermal stress can compromise aluminum-to-plastic seal joints if present. Clean interior surfaces periodically to prevent moisture and bacterial buildup, especially if the case is frequently exposed to saltwater or humid environments. Replace the case if seals crack, delaminate, or if gaskets harden; degraded seals defeat the waterproof function and leave the phone unprotected.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to iPhone 5 Waterproof Shockproof Aluminum Metal Armor?
- Flax fiber and plant-based resin blend, compostable
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Coating degradation and durability over time
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 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.