Brita · Faucet Water Filters
Brita 35618 Faucet Filter System
Lower PFAS concern for the filter media itself, but Brita makes no public disclosure about PFAS in faucet system components.
Brita's faucet filter systems use activated carbon cartridges, a well-established, lower-risk filter medium with no known PFAS contamination pathway. However, the plastic faucet housing and any seals/gaskets are not publicly characterized for PFAS content, and Brita does not disclose PFAS testing or avoidance.
Shop Brita on Amazon →Material
Activated carbon filter cartridge; plastic faucet housing
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Brita 35618 uses activated carbon as its primary filter medium, a well-established material for chlorine and taste/odor reduction that does not leach harmful compounds into water under normal use. The faucet housing is plastic, typically polypropylene or similar, which does not contact hot water and carries minimal leaching risk in this application. No ceramic, enamel, or metal coatings are involved, eliminating concerns around lead or cadmium from glazes. The cartridge is designed as a disposable, single-use component, reducing the risk of coating degradation over time.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brita has not published detailed transparency reports on PFAS testing or removal for its faucet-filter systems, though the company does market carbon filters as chlorine-reduction devices. The brand holds NSF certification for some product lines, indicating third-party verification of filtration claims, but public disclosure of chemical testing or safety audits specific to housing materials is limited. No major recalls or safety controversies tied to this product line are on record. Brita's silence on PFAS disclosure is consistent with the broader water-filter industry, though competitors have begun to address this gap.
How it compares in its category
Faucet-mounted filters like this one are positioned as low-cost, point-of-use alternatives to pitcher filters and under-sink systems. Compared to pitcher filters, faucet systems avoid standing water and offer continuous filtration; compared to under-sink systems, they expose the housing to more ambient air and potential biofilm growth. Activated carbon is the industry standard for this category and is considered safer than reverse-osmosis or ion-exchange systems in terms of material leaching. The 35618 is a mid-range offering with no unusual construction that sets it apart in safety profile.
If you buy it
Replace cartridges every 100 gallons or 1-2 months, whichever comes first, to minimize bacterial biofilm accumulation in the spent filter media. Flush the new cartridge by running water through it for 5 seconds before use. Do not use with unfiltered water that is microbiologically unsafe (boil-water advisories); this filter removes chlorine and particles but is not certified for pathogen removal. Store cartridges in a cool, dry place and do not expose the faucet housing to prolonged direct sunlight, which can degrade plastic over years.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Bacterial biofilm growth in filter cartridge
Spent activated carbon can harbor bacteria if cartridges are not replaced on schedule or if water sits in the filter for extended periods. This is a use-maintenance issue, not a material hazard, but is common across faucet-filter designs.
Plastic housing leachables (BPA, phthalates)
The polypropylene housing does not contact heated water and is exposed only to filtered, cooled tap water. BPA and phthalate leaching is not documented for this material in this application; risk is lower than for hot-water-contact plastics or food-storage containers.
Activated carbon dust or particle shedding
Fine carbon dust can escape into water if the cartridge housing is damaged or if cartridges are not properly seated. Pre-flushing the cartridge (as instructed) reduces this risk. No health hazard from ingested carbon dust is established, but mechanical debris is undesirable.
Pressure or flow-rate anomalies if cartridge is over-retained
Leaving a spent cartridge in place beyond its rated life can clog the faucet and create back-pressure, but does not introduce chemical hazards. This is a functional issue, not a toxicological one.
Chlorine or chloramine removal effectiveness decline over time
Activated carbon saturates and loses effectiveness after 100-150 gallons; if not replaced, residual chlorine may not be adequately reduced. This is not a safety hazard but affects the filter's intended purpose and may indirectly encourage stagnation.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 65% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Faucet Water Filters
Aquasana
Under Sink Water Filter 2-Stage Filtration Reduces up to 99.99% of Pfas
Activated carbon, ion exchange resin cartridges
Lower-concern filter type, but claim lacks third-party lab proof, verify independently before relying on it.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
Waterdrop
Sink Filter
activated carbon filter media, stainless steel housing
Lower-concern filter type, but brand makes no PFAS transparency claim, verify cartridge materials directly before purchase.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Waterdrop
Filtered Water Faucet
stainless steel faucet body; activated carbon/ion-exchange filter cartridge
Lower-concern choice; water filter design avoids high-risk PFAS applications, but brand transparency on materials could be stronger.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
More faucet water filters 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.