Panasonic · Refrigerator Filters
Panasonic Refrigerator Auto Ice Maker Water Filter Cnrmj-107220
Lower concern. Standard activated carbon filter, no known PFAS risk.
Panasonic water filters use activated carbon and ion exchange resins, materials without inherent PFAS exposure. Brand discloses no PFAS information, but filter type carries minimal documented risk.
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Activated carbon/ion exchange resin 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
The CNRMJ-107220 uses activated carbon as its primary filtration medium, which adsorbs chlorine, odors, and some organic compounds through surface binding rather than chemical transformation. Ion exchange resin pellets soften water by removing calcium and magnesium ions. Both are inert solid materials with no known leaching hazards when used as designed in cold water systems. The filter housing is typically polypropylene or similar food-contact plastic rated for refrigerator temperatures.
The brand's record and disclosure
Panasonic does not publicly disclose detailed safety testing results or third-party certifications for this specific filter model on available product materials. The company has no documented history of recalls or safety controversies specific to this filter line. Panasonic maintains general compliance with food contact material regulations in major markets but does not volunteer independent testing transparency.
How it compares in its category
Refrigerator water filters using activated carbon are industry standard and represent the lower-complexity end of point-of-use filtration. This Panasonic model is functionally equivalent to most OEM and third-party filters in this category; no documented performance or safety advantage over major competitors like Samsung, GE, or aftermarket carbon filters. The main differentiation is fit and flow rate, not material safety profile.
If you buy it
Replace every 6 months or 300 gallons (whichever comes first) to prevent bacterial biofilm growth inside exhausted carbon beds, a well-established risk in unmaintained filters. Store unopened filters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Before first use, run water through the new filter for 2-3 minutes to flush any loose carbon dust. Do not attempt to clean or reuse; filters are single-use disposable.
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 biofilm growth (maintained filter)
Activated carbon becomes exhausted after 6 months of typical use; standing water in an old filter creates conditions for bacterial colonization. Panasonic recommends timely replacement but provides no monitoring indicator on this model.
Loose carbon dust or resin particles (new filter)
Activated carbon filters may release fine particles if not pre-flushed. Running water for 2-3 minutes before first use minimizes this; no health hazard documented at typical exposure levels but unpleasant in drinking water.
Housing plastic leachables (polypropylene)
Polypropylene housing is food-contact approved and does not degrade in cold water refrigerator service. No documented leaching of BPA or other endocrine disruptors from this material class at normal use conditions.
Filter bypass if improperly installed
Incorrect seating of the filter cartridge in the refrigerator housing can allow unfiltered water to pass around the media. User installation error is common; poor fit creates no chemical hazard but defeats filtration purpose.
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
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✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Kenmore
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Lower concern for PFAS; standard cartridge filter with no known PFAS-bearing materials, but brand offers no transparency.
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Clearly Filtered
Water Pitcher Replacement Filter 3-Pack
Activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filter media
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✓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.