LG · Refrigerator Filters
LG 200 Gallon Refrigerator Water Filter
Lower PFAS concern; activated-carbon filters themselves are not a typical PFAS source, but LG does not publicly disclose PFAS testing.
Water filter cartridges like this one rely on activated carbon media to remove contaminants, a material class not inherently associated with PFAS contamination. LG does not publicly make PFAS-free claims or provide third-party verification.
Shop LG on Amazon →Material
activated carbon/coconut shell carbon filter media
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
LG 200 Gallon filters use activated coconut-shell carbon as the primary filtration media, a well-established material for chlorine, taste, and odor removal in potable water. Coconut-shell carbon does not leach heavy metals or synthetic compounds into water under normal refrigerator use conditions (cold water, low pressure). The filter housing is typically food-grade plastic designed to withstand cold temperatures and brief contact with treated water.
The brand's record and disclosure
LG does not publicly disclose third-party testing data or PFAS screening results for this filter line, which is consistent with most refrigerator-filter manufacturers. The product carries NSF certification (where applicable models are listed), indicating basic microbial and chemical contaminant reduction standards, though NSF does not independently test PFAS removal. No recalls or safety controversies specific to LG refrigerator filters are on record.
How it compares in its category
LG filters are mid-range in the refrigerator-filter market and perform comparably to Whirlpool, Samsung, and generic carbon filters in chlorine/taste reduction. Unlike pitcher filters or under-sink cartridges, refrigerator filters see minimal user contact and lower flow rates, reducing leaching risk. The 200-gallon capacity is standard and reflects typical household use before bacterial biofilm risk rises.
If you buy it
Replace every 6 months or at 200 gallons, whichever comes first; stagnant filters can harbor bacteria if left in place longer. Do not expose the filter to heat or direct sunlight before installation. Flush the first few pitchers of water after installation to clear loose carbon dust. Ensure the filter is fully seated in the refrigerator housing to prevent bypass.
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
Activated-carbon filters can support microbial biofilm if not replaced on schedule or if the refrigerator is not maintained cold enough. This is a usage issue, not a material defect, but remains the primary contamination risk for this product class.
Loose carbon particulate in water
New or poorly installed filters may shed fines of activated carbon into water during initial use; this is harmless but undesirable. Rinsing before use and proper seating minimize this.
Plastic housing leachables
LG filter housings are food-grade and designed for cold-water contact. No reports of BPA, phthalates, or other plastic leachates from this product line at normal refrigerator temperatures.
Heavy metal accumulation in media
Coconut-shell activated carbon does not leach metals into water. The filter may trap trace metals from source water, but this is the intended function and poses no risk to users.
Taste or odor rebound
Beyond 200 gallons or 6 months, carbon saturation can allow chlorine and taste compounds to break through; this signals replacement need but is not a safety hazard per se.
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 Refrigerator Filters
Kenmore
9690 Refrigerator Water Filter 1-Pack, Nsf/wqa/iapmo Certified, Reduces 99% Chlorine & Odor, BPA-Free, Replacement for 46-9690 469690 Lt700p
activated carbon filter cartridge
Lower-concern water filter; carbon-based design unlikely to contain PFAS, but Kenmore makes no explicit PFAS disclosure.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Kenmore
Pureline Filter Compatible with Whirlpool Everydrop Filter 1
Activated carbon and fiberglass filter media
Lower concern for PFAS; standard cartridge filter with no known PFAS-bearing materials, but brand offers no transparency.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Clearly Filtered
Water Pitcher Replacement Filter 3-Pack
Activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filter media
Lower-concern option; activated carbon filters are standard PFAS-reduction media, but verify pitcher durability and actual tested removal rates independently.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
More refrigerator 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.