Samsung · Refrigerator Filters
Waterdrop DA97-17376B Refrigerator Water Filter Compatible with Samsung HAF-QIN/EXP
Lower-concern product; standard RO/carbon filtration design poses minimal PFAS risk, though Samsung provides no explicit disclosure.
This Samsung refrigerator filter uses activated carbon and ion-exchange resin, materials commonly associated with water purification without PFAS coatings. Carbon filters can theoretically capture some PFAS from drinking water.
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Activated carbon and ion-exchange resin 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
This filter uses activated carbon and ion-exchange resin, the industry standard for refrigerator filtration. Activated carbon traps chlorine, odor, and some organic compounds through adsorption; ion-exchange resin removes hardness minerals and some heavy metals by exchanging sodium or potassium ions. Neither material is known to leach harmful substances into water under normal refrigerator operating conditions (cold, low pressure, short contact time).
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung does not publicly disclose filter composition, manufacturing origin, or third-party certifications (NSF, WQA) for this specific model. The company has not faced documented recalls or safety complaints tied to refrigerator filter safety. Samsung's silence on PFAS or heavy metals in filters reflects broader industry practice but leaves end-users without independent verification.
How it compares in its category
Refrigerator filters are among the lowest-risk water treatment products because they are not heated, pressurized, or exposed to acidic or alkaline liquids. This Waterdrop-compatible cartridge performs similarly to OEM Samsung filters and other aftermarket carbon-resin blends. The main differentiation is cost and replacement frequency, not material safety.
If you buy it
Replace every 6 months or per manufacturer guidance to prevent bacterial biofilm growth inside the filter cartridge and housing. Flush the filter with 2-3 gallons of water before first use. Store unopened filters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use if the filter is visibly cracked, discolored, or has been stored in damp conditions for extended periods.
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 and biofilm accumulation
Activated carbon and ion-exchange resins can harbor bacteria if filters are not replaced on schedule or if the refrigerator's water lines are not flushed regularly. Unmaintained filters pose a risk of microbial contamination greater than the risk from filter materials themselves.
Leachables from housing or seals
No documented incidents of leachables (BPA, plasticizers) from this specific filter housing. The cartridge body is typically polypropylene or polyester, stable at cold temperatures and low pressure.
Activated carbon dust or particulates
Well-manufactured carbon filters do not release carbon particles into water. Flushing before first use removes any loose carbon fines from manufacturing.
Ion-exchange resin degradation
Ion-exchange resins in refrigerator filters are not exposed to heat or pressure that would cause breakdown. No established safety concern for this product class under normal use.
Heavy metal leaching from resin
Properly manufactured ion-exchange resins do not leach lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals. Samsung has no documented issues; third-party testing would be required to verify compliance with drinking water standards.
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.