LG · Countertop Filters
LG 200 Gallon Capacity Water Filter ADQ73613403 at ABT
Lower concern. Standard carbon filters rarely use PFAS intentionally.
LG's replacement water filter uses activated carbon and ion-exchange resin, materials without inherent PFAS risk. LG does not disclose PFAS information, but typical cartridge construction poses minimal concern.
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Activated carbon and resin filter cartridge
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The ADQ73613403 uses activated carbon and ion-exchange resin as the filtration media, a conventional and well-established approach for chlorine, taste, and odor removal in point-of-use filters. Activated carbon is inert once installed and does not leach into water under normal conditions. The resin beads are food-grade polymeric material designed to trap dissolved minerals and ions; degradation or exhaustion triggers require cartridge replacement, not filter failure into drinking water.
The brand's record and disclosure
LG does not publish detailed material safety or independent testing summaries for this specific cartridge model on their consumer site. The product carries NSF/ANSI certification claims typical of major appliance filters, which verify structural integrity and some contaminant claims but do not mandate full transparency on resin source or manufacturing contaminants. No recalls or safety alerts specific to this model have been publicly reported by LG, the FDA, or consumer safety bodies.
How it compares in its category
Activated carbon and resin cartridges are the industry standard for countertop filters and carry no material advantage or disadvantage over competitors like Aqua-Pure, EveryDrop, or Culligan in terms of chemical leaching risk. The 200-gallon capacity is typical for this filter class and suggests a 2-3 month replacement cycle for average household use. Housing durability depends more on installation and maintenance than on cartridge composition.
If you buy it
Replace cartridges every 200 gallons or every 2-3 months, whichever comes first, to prevent bacterial biofilm growth inside exhausted media and to maintain stated contaminant capture. Store replacement cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the filter housing sealed and dry to prevent mold or bacterial growth in the reservoir. Do not attempt to recharge or extend cartridge life; LG cartridges are not designed for cleaning or reuse. If you notice discoloration, odor, or slow flow despite recent replacement, inspect the housing for cracks or mineral deposits inside the tank.
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 housing or exhausted cartridge
Activated carbon and resin, once saturated, can harbor bacteria if water sits stagnant or cartridges are not replaced on schedule. This is a use-maintenance issue, not a material defect; risk is minimized by adhering to LG's 200-gallon or 2-3 month replacement interval.
Resin leachables (residual monomers or uncrosslinked oligomers)
Food-grade ion-exchange resins used in NSF-certified cartridges are formulated to minimize leaching. No public reports of off-taste, cloudiness, or chemical migration from LG ADQ73613403 cartridges have been documented; however, independent lab testing of resin purity is not disclosed by LG.
Housing material degradation or cracking
The plastic housing (typically polysulfone or acrylic) can crack under pressure or temperature shock, particularly if the filter freezes or if chlorinated water chemistry is unusual. Cracks allow unfiltered bypass; inspect the housing regularly for hairline fractures or discoloration.
Filter bypass if cartridge is installed incorrectly or housing seal fails
Improper seating of the cartridge or degraded O-rings allow water to flow around media without filtration. This is a user-assembly or wear issue, not a chemical hazard, but renders the filter ineffective; ensure cartridges are seated firmly and replace O-rings if they appear hardened or cracked.
Residual dust or manufacturing debris from new cartridge
Activated carbon cartridges may release black or gray particles (carbon fines) during the first 1-2 uses if not pre-rinsed. Run the first filter cycle through a drain or use water for non-drinking purposes initially; this is cosmetic and not a toxicological concern, but can be visually alarming.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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 Countertop Filters
ZeroWater
40-Cup Glass Water Filter Dispenser
borosilicate glass, plastic pitcher housing, ion-exchange resin cartridge
Lower concern on PFAS, but brand silence on cartridge composition is a missed transparency opportunity.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
ZeroWater
Culligan ZeroWater Technology 22-Cup Ready Water Filtration Dispenser
Plastic housing, activated carbon + ion-exchange resin filter media
Lower concern, but verify filter cartridge specs before relying on PFAS claims.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
LARQ
PureVis Pitcher
Borosilicate glass pitcher, activated carbon filter cartridge
Lower PFAS concern for the pitcher itself; verify filter cartridge sourcing if purchasing replacements.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
More countertop 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.