If you’re making informed choices about the quality of the food you eat, you might also make informed choices about the quality of the water you drink. A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that “forever chemicals” can be found in 45% of tap water in the United States.
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The EPA warns the substances, also known as per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are “long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time” and may be linked to harmful health effects in humans.
One way to help protect yourself from contaminants and reduce your overall exposure to unwanted substances? Experts say drink filtered water. (Some bottled water has been found to contain PFAS.) And while experts say Brita filters can remove some contaminants, you can also get filtered water and ice from your refrigerator. The CBS Essentials shopping experts have found the best refrigerators with water filters that might help reduce your intake of certain contaminants.
What are PFAS (forever chemicals)?
PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including certain forms of cancer. You may be able to reduce the amount of PFAS in your home’s water with a water filter. But not all water filters are the same.
“In general, refrigerator filters are designed to remove sediments, chlorine, lead and other common contaminants and not specifically PFAS compounds,” says Dr. Andrew Lazur, a University of Maryland water quality specialist. “That said, since some refrigerator filters use activated carbon, they can reduce some PFAS compounds, but may not achieve EPA or state-recommended concentrations.”
In other words, Lazur says that some fridge filters can reduce forever chemicals, but exactly how much may vary from product to product.
“Consumers should ask about the water filters used in the refrigerators, and inquire specifically about what contaminants are reduced, and by what percent,” Lazur told CBS Essentials. “Also asking about filter replacement schedule and cost may help in decision making.”
We also have a guide for standalone water filters here.
Best refrigerators with water filters that reduce contaminants
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) examined several popular water filters, including water filters in refrigerators, and discovered that an LG water filter was able to remove 53 known contaminants in drinking water that are dangerous to human health.
While these refrigerators with water filters have not been proven to remove PFAS, they can help remove man-made and naturally occurring contaminants, including chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and other impurities.
All of these top-rated fridges have a four-star rating or higher and include many positive customer reviews about the device’s water filtration.
LG smart Max refrigerator with dual ice makers
Your refrigerator should dispense clean water you can count on. This LG smart fridge is equipped with LG’s top-rated water filter, the same refrigerator water filter that the NSF says can remove 53 known hazardous contaminants. According to LG, the filter can remove pesticides, chemicals and detergents. The filter is certified by NSF International to meet industry-leading filtration standards. It should be replaced every six months.
This 4.2-star-rated refrigerator offers 26 cubic feet of evenly cooling tech to keep food fresh. Use the LG ThinQ app to adjust your refrigerator temp settings or troubleshoot your device.
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