Nowadays most households have a refrigerator that has a water and ice dispenser. If you have a new refrigerator, then you definitely need the right refrigerator water filter to keep the water filtration process safe for your family’s health.
Here’s If Refrigerator Water Filters Remove PFAS
Till now, it is impossible to completely remove PFAS from water. But it is definitely possible to reduce the danger level. The water we drink is not free from contaminants, and that’s where water filters jump for our rescue. So, you must ensure that your refrigerator water filter has the ability to reduce PFAS contaminants from the drinking water.
But we must first know whether all refrigerator water filters can remove PFAS or at least reduce it to near-complete. Are there any differences among various water filters for the refrigerator when it comes to removing PFAS?
Can All Refrigerator Water Filters Remove PFAS?
Few studies determine that now many of the filtration devices are efficient to deal with the PFAS. These point-of-use filters can remove organic compound traces from the water.
Currently, there are three types of filtration systems to reduce the PFAS levels in refrigerator water. If either of the filtration systems is installed on your waterline for the refrigerator, the granulated activated carbon can do the trick along with reverse osmosis. However, it is important to maintain the water filtration system as required besides water testing.
As technologies are changing with public demand, so do the types of refrigerator water filters. It is quite obvious that not all of these water filters are able to remove PFAS completely. Of course, some of the refrigerator water filters can reduce PFAS in drinking water almost to a near-complete level. But many filters are still unpredictable and inconsistent. But can these filters be dangerous?
What Are PFAS? Are They Dangerous?
So, we have been talking about refrigerator water filters that remove PFAS for some time now. But what is PFAS? PFAS are human-made chemicals that are now part of the industry and consumer products all over the world.
Since the 1950s, these chemicals have become part of our non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and carpets, water-repellent clothing, etc. Even the cosmetics, few firefighting foams, and products contain PFAS to resist grease, water, and oil. So, PFAS is a widespread chemical in the environment today that’s alarmingly harmful to our health.
A review from CDC, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that PFAS causes a host of health effects. It includes liver damage, cancer, thyroid disease, increased asthma risk, and decreased fertility. However, in 2018, CDC reported that the PFAS compound limit was ten times lower than the limit outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
PFAS are forever chemicals, as they are unlikely to degrade completely. Also, studies show that they traverse through air and water easily, moving long distances faster. Therefore, these chemicals accumulate in soil, plants, dust, food, affecting our health when we don’t even acknowledge the impending adversity. However, you still need to know more reasons for choosing the PFAS water filters.
Why Choose NSF P473 Certified Water Filters?
Water filters with NSF P473 certification determine that they match the performance requirements of Drinking Water Treatment Units. For earning P473 international NSF certification, water filters undergo extensive tests for confirming to safety and structural requirements of NSF.
Besides the extensive tests, NSF also verifies the following:
- The product literature, labeling, and advertising to cross out something misleading
- The system structure is sound
- The system doesn’t add any harmful element into the water after the filtration process
- The claims for PFOA and PFOS contamination reduction on the label of the product is true
With that keep in mind, you need to find the best refrigerator water filters that will deliver all these benefits.
Best Refrigerator Water Filters That Can Remove PFAS
Are you considering installing an inline refrigerator water filter? Then you must choose the one that best suits your refrigerator and your budget. Even though all the fridge water filters look similar, many of them have complex filter cartridges.
Complexity ensures the number of contaminants a filter can remove than its competitors. So, while buying the water filter, don’t shy away from doing your own research:
Whirlpool’s EveryDrop 10383251 Refrigerator Water Filter
EveryDrop 10383251 is the water filter that has the capability to reduce 28 contaminants. Yes, it is a fact, and that’s why it has an NSF certification. Though it is particularly best for lead removal, it also takes care of nonylphenol, ibuprofen, chlorine, naproxen, and TCPP.
While buying the filter, don’t forget to check your refrigerator model number. You must first verify whether the filter will fit your refrigerator before buying. From my personal experience, I find this filter better than the competitors today. Yes, you have to change the filter way earlier than other refrigerator water filters, but it takes care of 28 contaminants.
Pros
- Approved by major refrigerator brands
- NSF certified
Cons
- It may not last for six months if the water consumption is higher due to bigger family
- Among similar types of filters, it is a lot more pricey
Get EveryDrop by WhirlPool Water Filter from Amazon. It’s available at a 10% OFF discount at the moment with free Shipping. Hurry!
Frigidaire ULTRAWF Pure Source Water Filter
If you are in search of a water and ice refrigerator filter, then the Frigidaire ULTRAWF water filter can be the right one. This carbon-based filter removes harmful contaminants from water. The refrigerator filter can benefit from removing chlorine odor and taste, reducing lead, nitrates, pesticides, mercury contamination, etc.
Installation of Frigidaire ULTRAWF is easy, and it is certified by 42, 53, and 401 NSF standards. So, removing aesthetic contaminations becomes easier. If you are looking for sustainability, look nowhere else, as this filter has NSF/WQA 803 certification.
Pros
- Quite easy to install
- NSF certified
Cons
- Costlier among the similar products
- The water flow rate is quite slow, as some users have reported
Check the latest price and availability of Frigidaire ULTRAWF Pure Source Water Filter here at Frigidaire’s official store. Price just updated and it is now $4.99 less than the previous time.
Refrigerator Water Filter GE RPWFE
For every GE French door refrigerator, the GE RPWFE water filter is compatible. As the filter has NSF certification, you can definitely use this water filter for your GE refrigerator. It removes an impressive range of components from the water like cysts, chlorine, lead, PFOA, PFOS, along with some pharmaceuticals.
It is one of the best performing fridge filters that are on the market. So, if you have a GE refrigerator, you can definitely choose this easy-to-install water filter. However, don’t forget to replace the water filter every six months or after filtration of 300 gallons of water.
Pros
- The installation process of GE RPWFE is very simple.
- It has been tested and certified for removing a great range of contamination.
Cons
- You can use this GE filter with GE appliances only.
- The countdown timer for filter replacement is not completely accurate enough
We found Refrigerator GE RPWFE Water Filter available here from the official GE Store at Amazon. Check out the latest price and availability!
These are the best refrigerator filters that we have available at the moment. But PFAS chemicals are not the only thing that these filters eliminate.
Other Contaminants That Water Filters Remove
Water filters don’t just filter out PFAS chemicals from the water but also remove other contaminants. So, that’s an added bonus and all the more reason to get a water filter. But what type of contaminant it removes besides PFAS depends on filter type. Here are few other contaminants that water filters have the power to remove:
- Remove sediment, silt, and sand
- Chlorine and Chloramines removal is possible
- Some water filters even remove Fluoride
- Carbon filters can remove organic compounds like iron, sulfur, manganese from the water.
So, it is important to invest in a high-quality water filter for your refrigerator instead of using none. It will at least ensure that you are safe from some compounds found in water. And when it comes to health safety, you can’t just ignore it for your loved ones.
