Yes, a refrigerator water filter does remove lead from water, but only if it filters using activated carbon. Each water filter has material that prevents pollutants from passing through. This could be a physical screen, ion exchange resin, activated carbon, etc.
Lead can be removed from the water if your refrigerator’s filter contains activated carbon, particularly carbon made from coconut shells.
Activated Carbon
A form of carbon called activated carbon (also known as activated charcoal) is used as a filtering media to remove impurities from water. Because of the tiny holes on its surface, activated carbon is excellent at adsorbing chemicals like lead, chlorine, and other organic molecules.
Particle filters
Particle filters commonly referred to as mechanical filters, take out other solids and suspended particles from water. Lead that has been dissolved in the water is not removed by them.
Paper, fiberglass, or a synthetic substance are the typical materials used to make particle filters. They successfully eliminate germs, cysts, and parasites from water, but they have no effect on lowering lead levels.
While some refrigerator filters feature both particle filters and activated carbon, some only have one or the other.
Refrigerator filters’ drawbacks
The purpose of refrigerator filters is to get rid of chlorine and other substances that give food a poor flavor and smell. I think that’s it. They aren’t really intended to offer dependable defense against hazardous substances like lead. Consult a professional if you are concerned about the safety of your drinking water.
You should be aware that even if your filter has NSF certification for lead, it was only tested at a concentration of 150 ppb. The filter might not be able to get rid of all the lead if your water has a higher lead content. In this situation, you might want to think about employing a different kind of therapy, like reverse osmosis.
Leading manufacturers of lead-free refrigerator water filters
These companies manufacture activated carbon media-based refrigerator water filters that have passed NSF testing and certification to remove lead from water.
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Samsung
The Samsung DA29-00020B, which uses a solid carbon block to efficiently remove at least 99% of lead from water, is the most popular Samsung refrigerator filter. In the meantime, it keeps the beneficial minerals in your water.
The Samsung refrigerator filter is additionally simple to install.
The only drawback is the potential cost of Samsung refrigerator filters.
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GE
Lead and nearly 20 other pollutants are successfully removed from water using carbon block GE filters in 99% of cases. They are known to dramatically enhance water quality and have impressive filtration capabilities. Furthermore, installing and replacing GE refrigerator filters is a breeze.
The poor water flow rates, however, are a complaint from some consumers.
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Frigidaire
NSF-certified genuine Frigidaire refrigerator water filters may remove up to 99.7% of lead from water. You don’t need any tools to install them, and they work quite well.
You can rely on having lead-free, great-tasting water at home if you get an original Frigidaire filter (which carries the genuine filter seal on the container).
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LG
For various water quality, LG manufactures a variety of refrigerator filters. For instance, whereas the LT500P filter is only certified against NSF 42, the LT700P and LT800P are both certified against NSF standards 42 and 53 (lead removal).
The LT1000P has a high-performance level and filters the most impurities, including lead.
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Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Whirlpool, and Amana
EveryDrop refrigerator water filters are used by all of these filter companies. Lead is among the many water contaminants that EveryDrop filters are able to eliminate using Triple Filtration Technology (NSF-certified). They also make water taste better.
EveryDrop water filters are easy to install and offer a high water flow rate. On the other hand, they are frequently pricey.
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Kenmore
Another NSF-certified fridge filter manufacturer that is great for removing lead is Kenmore.
The most popular refrigerator filter from this manufacturer is the Kenmore Elite 9081. It is suitable with bottom-freezer, top-freezer, and side-by-side Kenmore refrigerators. Kenmore filters are recognized to enhance the flavor of water and have an easy installation method.
The Importance of NSF Testing and Certification for Lead Removal
A fridge filter’s ability to effectively remove lead from water may be verified by an NSF standard 53 certifications. However, lead testing must have been done precisely! In other words, if you look at the test findings, lead decrease rates ought to be listed. You may rely on it to filter out a lead if your refrigerator filter brand has one.
Alternatively, the business must show proof that the filter has undergone independent lead removal testing in accordance with NSF 53 requirements.
What Additional Contaminants Are Removed by Refrigerator Water Filters?
A refrigerator water filter can eliminate the following impurities from water in addition to lead:
- Chlorine
- Chloramine
- Asbestos
- Cysts
- drugs, pesticides, and herbicides
- vaporized organic substances (VOCs)
- Mercury
- Microplastic
Limitations: What a Refrigerator Water Filter Does NOT Remove
Although refrigerator water filters work well, they are not a cure-all for all water issues. For instance, if your water has certain impurities, a refrigerator filter might not function properly:
- Chromium-6
- viruses and bacteria
- Fluoride
- PFAS
- Manganese or iron
ALSO SEE: Do Refrigerator Water Filters Remove PFAS?
How a Fridge Water Filter Works
By forcing your water through its filter material, a refrigerator water filter operates. Water pollutants like lead and chlorine are eliminated by this material. They are drawn to and trapped on the surface of the carbon in the case of activated carbon.
Maintenance Is Critical — Replace Filters Regularly!
As impurities are trapped in a refrigerator water filter over time, it becomes saturated and clogged.
Your filter will stop operating effectively if you wait too long. You must replace your refrigerator filter frequently; most manufacturers advise doing so every six months if you want to keep it functioning and capable of removing lead.
Some refrigerator filters come with an indicator that helps you know when it’s time to replace the filter. If your filter has a warning, heed it. If not, make sure you promptly replace it.
Get Your Water Tested Right Away!
You should have your water tested to determine the type or types of impurities it contains because refrigerator filters do not completely eliminate all contaminants from water.
This will enable you to determine whether and which refrigerator filter is best for your water.
Any of the following techniques can be used to check your water:
Lab Test
The most precise approach to test your water is in a lab. You must submit a water sample to a lab that has received state certification.
The precise pollutants in your water and their concentration will be revealed by the lab test findings. You must carefully adhere to all directions offered if you want your water test to be accurate.
Homemade Lead Test Kit
DIY test kits make it easier to find toxins in water, including lead. A lead test kit is made specifically to check for lead in your water.
Reports on Consumer Confidence
Consumer Confidence Reports (also known as water quality reports) provide details on a community’s water quality, including the kinds of contaminants that are present. Your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available online or via your water provider.
CCRs, however, is restricted to community water systems. You cannot use such a report to examine your water if you utilize a private well.
More than just a refrigerator water filter can be necessary.
You need a more complex water treatment solution if testing shows that your water includes impurities that a refrigerator filter cannot get rid of.
Get a more powerful, high-quality water filter that can eliminate the specific impurities in your water supply.
Consult a specialist
Consult a specialist if you have your water test findings but are unsure of how to interpret them. You can ask the lab staff for an explanation if you have tested your water there.
You can also get assistance from your county’s health department.
If not, consult online water experts utilizing trustworthy resources like the Penn State Extension’s Drinking Water Interpretation Tool or the Well Water Interpretation Tool by Ohio State University.
What are the health effects of lead in our drinking water, and how does it get there?
Through pipes, taps, and other plumbing components that contain hazardous heavy metal, lead enters drinking water supplies. Lead leaks into the water as certain plumbing components rust, especially when the water is hot or acidic.
An extremely strong neurotoxic is lead. Children who consume it in their drinking water may get anemia or impaired growth. For adults, it may result in kidney troubles, hypertension, high blood pressure, and problems conceiving.
Please feel free to comment below if you have any comments on the query “does a fridge filter remove lead”!
Do LG refrigerator filters remove lead?
Lead removal has been tested and approved by NSF for LG refrigerator filters. According to the LG website, their filters provide “fresh, safe and delicious tasting water and ice” by lowering the quantity of lead, mercury, pesticides, and asbestos.
They add that the filters in their refrigerators eliminate flavor and odor. Every six months, LG advises changing the refrigerator filter.
LG LT1000P Refrigerator Filter
This refrigerator filter can purify 200 gallons of water and lasts up to 6 months. It is NSF approved and eliminates practically all mercury, lead, and benzene as well as 99% of asbestos and 99.99% of cysts.
Do Whirlpool refrigerator filters remove lead?
Lead from water is removed by Whirlpool refrigerator filters. Their Everydrop filters are said to eliminate 99.9% of the lead from water. NSF has verified the Whirlpool refrigerator filters for lead and taste/odor.
It is advised to replace the filter every six months.
Everydrop Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter by Whirlpool
Refrigerators made by Whirlpool can use this filter. It is certified to eliminate 99% of 28 contaminants, including lead, pesticides, drugs, and parasites that are spread through water. includes certification for NSF 401, 53, and 42.
Do GE refrigerator filters remove lead?
Lead as well as other toxins including chlorine, VOCs, and mercury can be reduced by GE refrigerator filters with the model numbers “MWF” or “GXRTDR,” which are NSF-approved.
Every 300 gallons or every six months, according to the GE website, the filter should be changed.
GE Refrigerator Filter
This filter has a service life of six months and can treat 300 gallons of water. It is approved to lessen lead, some medicines, chlorine-resistant cysts, and 50 other contaminants. It can 99% lower the amounts of PFOA and PFOS.
Do Maytag refrigerator filters remove lead?
The removal of lead from water is really approved for Maytag refrigerator filters. Lead is among the toxins that Maytag’s filters are said to “remove 99% off,” according to their website.
They advise changing the filter once every six months.
Maytag Waterdrop Plus Refrigerator Filter
There are certifications for this filter from WQA, IAPMO, and NSF 401, 53, 42, and 372. Ibuprofen, phenytoin, naproxen, estrone, bisphenol A, and nonylphenol levels are all dramatically decreased. Lead, benzene, and mercury are also verified to be removed from water by the filter.
Do Kitchenaid refrigerator filters remove lead?
The NSF-certified refrigerator filters from Kitchenaid lessen mercury, chlorine, and other pollutants as well as lead.
Every six months, according to the Kitchenaid website, the filter should be changed.
Kitchenaid PureSpring Refrigerator Filter
For lead-free compliance, this PureSpring filter is constructed in accordance with NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 372 standards. Chlorine, lead, taste, and odor reduction are all certified.
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Do Frigidaire refrigerator filters remove lead?
The NSF-certified refrigerator filters from Frigidaire lessen mercury, chlorine, and other pollutants in addition to lead.
Every six months, according to the Frigidaire website, the filter should be changed.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Filter
This Frigidaire filter has NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications for lead and chlorine reduction.
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Do Samsung refrigerator filters remove lead?
The NSF-certified refrigerator filters from Samsung minimize mercury, chlorine, and VOCs in addition to lead.
Every six months, according to the Samsung website, the filter should be changed.
Water Filter for Samsung HAF-CIN Refrigerator
For Samsung refrigerators, use this filter. Using a premium carbon block, it removes more than 99% of pollutants, including lead.
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Final Word
Do refrigerator filters eliminate lead, then? Yes, but there are a few things you need to be aware of to make sure your filter is effective.
The fundamentals of fridge filters and how they function to remove lead from your water supply have been described. It’s crucial to maintain your filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions because activated carbon does not completely remove all pollutants and impurities from water. We advise having your water tested for lead concentration if you have any doubts about how effectively your filter is functioning.