Clearly Filtered · Faucet Water Filters
PUR Faucet Mount Water Filter System PFM400H
Lower-concern choice, but no independent lab data to confirm PFAS absence claims.
The PFM400H uses activated carbon filtration, a well-established, lower-PFAS-risk filter medium without intentional Teflon-family coating coatings. The brand claims PFAS-free products, but no third-party certification (e.g., MADE SAFE, EWG Verified) or published lab testing is readily available to independently verify the claim.
Brand says: “PUR's parent company (Helen of Troy) has made public commitments to phase out PFAS in water filter products; Clearly Filtered markets its products as PFAS-free.”
Shop Clearly Filtered on Amazon →Material
Activated carbon filter media, plastic housing
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states the product is PFAS-free (self-declared).
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 PFM400H uses activated carbon filter media as its primary contaminant-capture medium, housed in plastic (likely polypropylene or similar food-contact resin). Activated carbon does not leach hazardous substances into water under normal use conditions; it works by adsorption (binding contaminants to its surface) rather than releasing material. The plastic housing is a standard faucet-mount design and should not contact water directly under typical installation, reducing leaching risk from the housing itself.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clearly Filtered has made explicit public statements that its products are PFAS-free, though independent third-party lab verification of this claim is not published in widely accessible databases. The brand has positioned itself in the 'clean filtration' market segment and maintains marketing around chemical avoidance, but specific NSF certifications or EPA testing reports for the PFM400H are not routinely disclosed on product packaging or primary web materials. No major recalls or contamination incidents involving this specific model appear in FDA or CPSC records.
How it compares in its category
Faucet-mount filters are a lower-cost, lower-maintenance entry point compared to pitcher or under-sink systems. The PFM400H sits in the mid-range for this category: more durable than basic models but typically filtering fewer contaminant classes than premium pitcher or cartridge systems. Most faucet-mount competitors use similar activated carbon construction, so hazard profiles are broadly comparable; brand-specific PFAS commitments vary widely across competitors.
If you buy it
Replace the filter cartridge per manufacturer guidance (typically every 2-3 months depending on water use and source quality) to maintain performance and prevent bacterial or sediment accumulation. Do not heat or freeze the housing, and ensure it is installed on cold-water lines only. Check that the connection is tight after installation to prevent leaks. Store unused cartridges in a cool, dry place to preserve activated carbon effectiveness.
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 growth in filter media if unmaintained
Activated carbon filters can become a breeding ground for microorganisms if not replaced on schedule or if water sits stagnant in the cartridge. Regular cartridge replacement per manufacturer instructions (typically every 60-90 days) mitigates this risk effectively.
Plastic housing leachables
No documented cases of BPA, BPS, or phthalate leaching from PFM400H plastic housing have been reported. Housing contact with water is minimal in faucet-mount design, further lowering exposure potential.
Filter media degradation and particulate release
Activated carbon can shed fine particles if the filter cartridge is damaged, dropped, or used beyond its replacement window. Installation damage during setup or rough handling of cartridges is the most common cause; proper insertion and on-time replacement prevent this.
Reduced contaminant removal efficacy over time
Like all activated carbon filters, the PFM400H's ability to capture volatile organic compounds, chlorine, and some heavy metals decreases as the carbon becomes saturated. This is not a safety hazard per se but a performance degradation that affects the filter's intended protective function.
Lead or heavy metal leaching from housing or internal components
No recalls or test reports indicate lead, cadmium, or antimony in the PFM400H housing or internal metal fittings. Standard faucet-mount filters use FDA-compliant food-contact materials, but independent lab analysis of this specific model is not publicly available.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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.