LG · Countertop Filters
LG Filter Assembly,Water ADQ75213402
Water filter with carbon media, lower concern, no PFAS risk apparent.
LG's ADQ75213402 uses activated carbon filtration, an inherently lower-concern material. No PFAS disclosures found, but carbon filters are not typically treated with forever chemicals.
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Activated carbon and filtration media
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 ADQ75213402 uses activated carbon and mechanical filtration media, which are inert solid materials with no known leaching hazards under normal water-contact conditions. Activated carbon works by adsorption, trapping contaminants on its surface rather than releasing compounds into water. The filter housing is plastic, typically polypropylene or similar food-contact approved polymers in LG's refrigerator filter line, designed to withstand standard refrigerator water pressure and temperature ranges.
The brand's record and disclosure
LG does not publicly disclose detailed material safety certifications or test results for this specific filter model. The product meets NSF/ANSI standards (indicated on packaging) for reduction claims, which verify contaminant reduction capacity but not material safety. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this filter assembly are on record. LG's broader water-filter transparency is minimal, with no published statements on chemical leaching testing or manufacturing certifications beyond standard NSF listing.
How it compares in its category
Refrigerator filters like this one are among the lowest-hazard water treatment products because they use passive carbon media with minimal mechanical complexity and no electrical components. Most competitor products (Whirlpool, GE, Samsung equivalents) employ identical activated carbon technology with similar housing materials, making this broadly representative of the category. The main differentiator is maintenance discipline, not material safety; all carbon filters require regular replacement to avoid performance and bacterial issues.
If you buy it
Replace this filter every 6 months or per manufacturer guidance, even if water flow seems adequate, to prevent bacterial biofilm growth in the carbon bed. Do not exceed the filter's rated flow pressure or use with water temperatures above 40°C (104°F), which can degrade the plastic housing. Store unopened filters in a cool, dry place and discard if packaging is damaged before installation. Flush the new filter by running 2-3 gallons of water through it before use to clear carbon dust.
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 harbor bacteria if not replaced regularly or if water sits stagnant in the housing. LG provides no guidance on sanitization between replacements, and no antimicrobial treatment in this model is documented.
Plastic housing leachables (BPA, phthalates)
LG filter housings are food-contact rated and meet NSF standards, which implicitly test for BPA and phthalate migration. No leaching incidents are on record for this product line, and activated carbon does not alter pH or temperature in ways that would accelerate plastic degradation.
Microplastic shedding from filter media
Properly maintained activated carbon filters do not shed significant microplastics under normal water pressure. Risk increases only if the filter physically breaks or is used beyond its pressure rating, which would be user misuse rather than a product defect.
Housing degradation over time
Plastic housings can become brittle or develop cracks after prolonged exposure to water, temperature fluctuations, and pressure cycles. LG does not publish longevity data; typical plastic filter housings remain safe for 2-3 years if replaced regularly and stored properly.
Contamination from improper installation or storage
If the filter is installed with contaminated hands, stored in warm/humid environments before use, or exposed to dust, bacterial or particulate contamination can enter the water supply. This is a handling risk, not a product manufacturing issue.
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
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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.