Liebherr · Refrigerator Filters
P.C. Richard & Son Refrigerator Water Filter 9880980
Lower concern. Standard carbon filter, no known PFAS risk.
Liebherr refrigerator filters use activated carbon, a material inherently lower risk for PFAS. No brand disclosure on PFAS exists, but carbon filtration itself does not require fluorochemical treatment.
Shop Liebherr on Amazon →Material
Activated carbon filter 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
This Liebherr 9880980 filter uses activated carbon as its primary filtration media, a material that adsorbs chlorine, odors, and some organic compounds from refrigerator water supplies. Activated carbon does not leach harmful chemicals into water under normal refrigerator conditions because it operates at low temperature and low pressure. The filter housing is typically food-grade plastic or composite; neither leaches into cold water without degradation. This is a passive mechanical filter with no electrical components or ion-exchange resins that might introduce secondary contaminants.
The brand's record and disclosure
Liebherr is a German appliance manufacturer with established quality control practices and CE marking compliance for European markets. The company does not publicly disclose detailed filter composition or third-party certification data on their website, which is common in this category. No recalls or contamination incidents involving Liebherr refrigerator filters have been established in public records. The brand's silence on PFAS is typical for standard carbon filters, where PFAS exposure risk is not a known issue.
How it compares in its category
Refrigerator water filters across brands (Whirlpool, GE, LG, Liebherr) use nearly identical activated carbon technology and pose similar low-risk profiles. Liebherr filters are OEM products, meaning they are manufactured to match the appliance design rather than being aftermarket or third-party generic options. Aftermarket filters sometimes underperform or crack, but OEM filters carry lower variability risk. Pricing is typically higher than third-party alternatives, reflecting OEM certification rather than superior filtration.
If you buy it
Replace this filter every 6 months or when water flow noticeably decreases, following the refrigerator manual's schedule. Store in a cool, dry place before installation; do not expose to heat or sunlight, as activated carbon can degrade and release fine particles. After installation, run water for 30 seconds before drinking to flush any loose carbon dust. Ensure the filter housing is properly seated in the refrigerator to prevent bypass; water bypassing the filter defeats contamination removal.
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
Activated carbon filters can harbor bacteria if not replaced regularly or if water stagnates in the housing. This risk applies to all refrigerator filters and is mitigated by following the 6-month replacement schedule and ensuring the refrigerator maintains cold temperatures consistently.
Housing material leaching
No documented cases of leaching from Liebherr filter housings. Food-grade plastic and composite materials used in OEM housings are regulated under FDA and EU food-contact rules and do not leach under cold water conditions.
Activated carbon dust release
Loose carbon particles may be released during first use if the filter is not flushed. This is cosmetic rather than toxic but can affect water taste and appearance. Rinsing the water line for 30 seconds resolves this.
Filter bypass and seal failure
Improper installation or worn seals allow unfiltered water to pass into the system. This is a design/installation failure rather than a material toxicity issue but defeats the filter's function. Check that the filter cartridge seats fully and inspect the housing gasket annually.
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.