#PFA - 🔎

[plutom3lon]

kinlist

[name || source || tag || quote || who i’m looking for || (other)]

shota aizawa/eraserhead || boku no hero academia || #SA - 💤 || “there’s nothing crueler than letting a dream end midway.” || hizashi yamada/present mic, oboro shirakumo/loud cloud, nemuri kayama/midnight, toshinori yagi/all might, eri, and hitoshi shinsou. any of my other students are also welcome

hizashi yamada/present mic || boku no hero academia || #HY - 🎤 || “going the battler route? i have a hard time picturing it.” || same as above, minus hizashi, plus shota

hubris nestoris || songs of war || #HN - 🍋 || “in this war, it was you who turned the tides.” || any members of the knights of ardonia, particularly grek and senn, but again, any sourcemates are cool || (yes i kin a minecraft man deal with it)

reki kyan || sk8 the infinity/sk∞ || #RK - ☀️ || “no one knows the answer to the meaning of happiness.” || langa and miya in particular, but like all the previous ones, all sourcemates are cool with me

langa hasegawa || sk8 the infinity/sk∞ || #LH - ❄️ || “i wanna infinitely skate together with you!” || all sourcemates

ryomen sukuna || jujutsu kaisen || #RS - ⚡ || “know your place, fool.” || any & all sourcemates are welcome to interact

kai || bubble || #K - 🫧 || “with our blue blazes, we’re gonna burn it all down!” || looking for all of team blue blazes (ie hibiki, uta, isozaki, usagi, osawa, shin & makoto). other teams are welcome to interact too

pip fitz-amobi || a good girl’s guide to murder || #PFA - 🔎 || “i’m not sure i’m the good girl i once thought i was. i’ve lost her along the way.” || i’d love to meet any ravis! cara & naomi as well. any elliots dni

love thorsdottir || mcu (thor : love and thunder) || #LT - 🫶 || mainly looking for gorr, thor and loki :)

kusuo saiki || the disastrous life of saiki k. || #KS - 🍮 || “good grief. ordinary people sure are a pain.” || mostly looking for my parents and brother (kuniharu, kurumi and kusuke) riki nendou, shun kaidou, reita toritsuka, aren kuboyasu and mikoto aiura.

inosuke hashibira || kimetsu no yaiba || #IS - ⚔️ || “if there ain’t no hell, i’ll goddamn make one for you.” || i’d like to meet anyone from the kamaboko squad & any of the pillars. other sourcemates are welcome too.

jiji || kiki’s delivery service || #JJ - 🍁 || “…if you wake up tomorrow and find a white cat, that’s me.” || looking for anyone really

luna || sailor moon || #L - 🌙 || “you can’t keep depending on others.” || mainly looking for the inner & outer senshi and artemis

keisuke suga || weathering with you || #KS - 🌦️ || “the world’s crazy. always has been, always will be.” || hodaka morishima, hina & nagi amano, moka, asuka & natsumi suga

osamu dazai || bungo stray dogs || #OD - ⛓️ || “justice is a weapon. it can be used to cause harm, but it cannot protect or save others.” || anyone from the ada, chuuya nakahara, ango sakaguchi, and sakunosuke oda

chuuya nakahara || bungo stray dogs || #CN - 🗝️ || tba

——————————————

kinsidering

kaina tsutsumi/lady nagant || boku no hero academia

keigo takami/hawks || boku no hero academia

viktor || arcane

brom holcombsson || eragon (book ver.)

——————————————

separate posts will be made for my timelines too

last updated: 28/01/2023

[waterfiltergurus]

What Does Brita Filter (and NOT Filter) Out from Water?

Brita is perhaps the most well-known water filter pitcher brand, and we're all aware that Brita improves water quality to some extent. But what exactly do Brita filters remove from tap water? And which contaminants does Brita not remove? We've done the research, and we've broken down the data on Brita's performance data sheets and certification databases in this article. *Note: this article explicitly discusses the contaminants reduced by Brita water filter pitchers: the Brita Elite and the Brita Standard. 🤔 Do Brita Filters Work? Yes, Brita filters work. They have been certified by official testing organizations to reduce specific contaminants. We've also personally tested the Brita Elite filter and can confirm that it effectively reduces some of the contaminants that Brita claims to reduce (we can only comment on the contaminants that were present in our water). But that doesn't mean that Brita filters work to reduce all contaminants. Brita filters are made from activated carbon media and ion exchange resin. These filter media have been widely proven and are expert-recommended to effectively improve water quality. For example: - This Drinking Water and Health evaluation of granular activated carbon for drinking water treatment noted that GAC filter media is recommended by the EPA as the "option of choice" to reduce synthetic organic chemicals in tap water. The report also noted that activated carbon has been used in the US since the 20th century to control tastes and odors in drinking water. - The EPA also recommends ion exchange treatment for removing positively-charged and negatively-charged contaminants, including arsenic, chromium-6, cyanide, nitrate, perchlorate, PFAS, sulfate, and uranium (anion exchange) and barium, radium, and strontium (cation exchange). So, Brita filters work to reduce select contaminants in water and address chlorine taste and odor. But they don't purify water (nor does Brita claim they can). That means a Brita filter might work to reduce the contaminants in your tap water, but it might not. It depends on what your water contains. 🔎 What Are Brita Pitcher Filters Certified to Remove? Does Brita Reduce Alcohol? No, Brita filters aren't certified to reduce alcohol. However, the carbon media in Brita filters can effectively address poor water taste and odor. So, while Brita filters have been found to make vodka taste like water, for example, they don't actually filter out the alcohol itself. Does Brita Reduce Arsenic? No, Brita water filters aren't certified to reduce arsenic. If your tap water contains arsenic, consider using a system that treats water with reverse osmosis, anion exchange, or ultrafiltration. Does Brita Reduce Atrazine? - The Brita Standard Filter is not certified for atrazine reduction. - The Brita Elite Filter is certified by IAPMO to NSF/ANSI 53 for the reduction of select pesticides and herbicides, including atrazine. Does Brita Reduce Bacteria & Other Microbiological Contaminants? No, Brita filters don't filter out bacteria or other microorganisms. Brita pitchers are designed to treat city water only. If you want to filter untreated water, look for water filters that can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use a point-of-entry water disinfection system, like a chlorine injection system or a UV water purifier. Does Brita Reduce Chlorine & Chloramines? The Brita Elite (formerly Longlast+) Filters are certified by the WQA to NSF Standard 42, to reduce chlorine taste and odor. Although the Brita website and PDS for the standard filter indicate it is certified by the WQA, the only listing we can find in the database is outdated and shows certification for materials requirements only. In our own testing, the Brita Elite Filter reduced 100% of chlorine, from 1 PPM down to undetectable levels. Neither Brita filter is certified for chloramine reduction. Does Brita Reduce Chromium 6? No, Brita filters aren't certified to reduce chromium-6. The best methods of reducing chromium-6 include reverse osmosis systems, water distillers, and anion exchange resins (Brita says the Standard Filter uses ion exchange, but we think it uses a cation exchange resin, which doesn't address chromium-6). Does Brita Reduce Fluoride? No, Brita doesn't filter fluoride. If you find concerning levels of fluoride in your drinking water or you prefer not to be exposed to this mineral in your water, I recommend using a water filtration system that does address fluoride. Reverse osmosis systems, bone char carbon filters, activated alumina filters, and water distillers are all effective ways to reduce fluoride. Does Brita Reduce Hard Water & Remove Minerals? No, neither Brita filter is designed to address hard water or reduce minerals. Brita filters water, it doesn't soften it. Many of Brita's competitors actually did reduce hardness minerals in our testing. We think the filters' cation exchange resins reduced these minerals alongside select metal ions. However, the Brita Elite Filter didn't reduce calcium or magnesium at all in our own tests. Does Brita Reduce Iron? No, Brita filters aren't certified to reduce iron. Low concentrations of iron can be addressed alongside hard water minerals using a water softener. If your water contains more than 2-3 PPM of iron, your best solution is a whole-home iron removal system. Does Brita Reduce Lead? The Brita Elite Filter has a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. The Brita Standard Filter is not certified to reduce lead. Does Brita Reduce Mercury? The Brita Standard and Elite filters have been certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 to reduce mercury. (See the Brita Elite's WQA certification here). Does Brita Reduce Microplastics? The Brita Elite Filter has a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 401 for the reduction of emerging compounds, including microplastics. The Brita Standard Filter does not have a microplastics reduction certification. Does Brita Reduce Nitrates/Nitrites? No, neither filter for Brita pitchers has been certified to reduce nitrate or nitrites. In our own testing, the Brita Elite filter reduced around 5% of nitrate - 3.5 PPM was detected in our unfiltered water, which was reduced to 3.3 PPM in our filtered water. Does Brita Reduce PFAs (Forever Chemicals)? The Brita Elite Filter has been certified by IAMPO to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for the reduction of PFOA and PFOS (two of the most commonly studied PFAs in drinking water). The Brita Standard Filter is not certified to reduce PFAs. Does Brita Reduce Radioactive Substances? No, Brita filters are not certified to reduce radioactive substances like uranium, radium, radon, or other radionuclides. When we tested the Brita Elite filter, our unfiltered water contained 0.014 PPM of uranium. The Elite filter reduced 26% of this contaminant, down to 0.0103 PPM. The best water filter for reducing these radioactive substances depends on what you need to address. Anion exchange systems address uranium, while cation exchange filters reduce radium, and reverse osmosis systems should address both. Special point-of-entry granular activated carbon filters can trap radon gases. You could also use a POE aeration unit. Does Brita Reduce Sodium (Salt)? No, Brita filters aren't certified to reduce sodium in tap water. Our test water contained 9.63 PPM of sodium, and this actually increased by 10% to 10.6 PPM post-filtration in the Brita Elite Filter. The best way to reduce sodium in your water is with a reverse osmosis filter. You could also use a water distiller. Does Brita Reduce Sulfur Odor (Hydrogen Sulfide)? No, Brita filters aren't certified to filter sulfur odor (a rotten egg smell caused by the presence of hydrogen sulfide). Does Brita Reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)? No, Brita doesn't reduce total dissolved solids. Generally, only reverse osmosis and other water purification processes reduce TDS. TDS is a combination of unwanted substances and impurities that are not considered dangerous to drink, like calcium and magnesium. Water filters like Brita are only designed to reduce the bad stuff. In our testing, the Brita Elite Filter only reduced TDS by around 2%. Does Brita Reduce Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)? The Brita Elite Filter has a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 401, for the reduction of Estrone, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen. The Brita Standard Filter is not certified for pharmaceuticals reduction. Does Brita Reduce Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)? No, Brita isn't certified to reduce disinfection byproducts. However, granular activated carbon has been proven effective at reducing disinfection byproducts in numerous studies. ❌ What Does Brita NOT Filter Out? There are several drinking water contaminants that Brita does not filter out. These include: - Arsenic - Fluoride - Microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) - Chloramine - Iron - Hardness minerals - Radiological elements There are certain contaminants that only one Brita filter has been certified to reduce, and not the other. The Brita Standard filter can't reduce: - Lead - Benzene - Asbestos - Particulates - Pesticides & herbicides - Pharmaceuticals The Brita Elite filter can't reduce: - Copper - Zinc Many of these contaminants can be reduced with more comprehensive filtration. We've reviewed water filters that have effectively addressed fluoride, uranium, lead, and other contaminants that one or both Brita pitchers can't reduce. Make sure to test your water before you decide on the best water filter for your situation. You might find that your water only contains a few select contaminants that one of the Brita water filters can target. Or, you might discover that your water contains impurities that need to be addressed with dedicated treatment solutions. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Is Fridge Water Filtered? (Not Always, Here's Why)

Wondering whether your refrigerator water is any more special than the drinking water from your kitchen faucet? In this guide, we've answered the question: "Is refrigerator water filtered?" We've also discussed how to know if your fridge's drinking water is filtered, and, if not, how to take your refrigerator water quality into your own hands. 📌 KeyTakeaways: - Your fridge water might be filtered, or it might be normal water like your kitchen faucet water. - Fridge water is only filtered if the fridge contains a refrigerator filter. - Refrigerator water filters work to trap contaminants like chlorine, some heavy metals, and poor water taste. - You can find out whether or not you have a refrigerator filter by taste-testing your water, checking the common filter locations in your fridge, and consulting your user manual. 📥 Is Refrigerator Water Filtered? Refrigerator water is sometimes filtered; however, this depends on the refrigerator brand and model and whether or not it comes with a built-in fridge filter. 🔎 How To Know if Your Fridge Water is Filtered If you're not sure whether or not your refrigerator drinking water is filtered, here are three easy ways to find out: Do a Taste Test First, if you have sensitive tastebuds and you can tell the difference between different water types, try doing a taste test of your refrigerator water and compare it to your normal, unfiltered tap water. If a refrigerator water filter is installed, your fridge drinking water should have a greatly reduced chlorine concentration. In comparison, your tap water should have a distinct chlorine after-taste and a faint "swimming pool" odor. Check Your Fridge for a Filter Not sure you can determine the presence of a refrigerator filter by tasting your water alone? Follow this up with an inspection of your fridge. Most fridge water filters are installed in one of three locations: - Inside the refrigerator in a slot in the top right-hand corner. - Inside the fridge in a slot between the two crisper drawers - On the outside of the fridge at the base grille. If you can't find a water filter in any of these locations, move on to the next step. Consult Your User Manual Finally, check your user manual to see whether or not the fridge comes with a filter. The manual should document the location of any filter housing. So even if there are no fridge filters installed, you should be able to consult the manual to find out where a filter would usually be located. If you can't find your user manual, try searching for your refrigerator model online. This should bring up the information you need. 🤔 Do All Refrigerators Use the Same Water Filters? No. As we mentioned in this guide, some fridges don't use refrigerator filters at all, and those that do don't all use the same type of filter. For instance, some of the more basic built-in refrigerator filters remove contaminants like chlorine and poor water taste - and that's about it. While these filters will improve your water quality somewhat, they won't remove all the contaminants from your fridge water supply. Some fridges have a more advanced activated carbon filter that can remove a greater selection of contaminants, including heavy metals, PFAS, and chromium-6, giving you fresh-tasting water that's also safer to drink. If you want to get the best-quality water from your fridge, we recommend looking beyond built-in refrigerator water filters to the bigger, more capable and comprehensive in-line refrigerator filters that are installed at the water pipe behind the fridge. These water filters can remove tens, even hundreds, of trace contaminants from your fridge water. 📝 How To Filter Your Fridge Water If you've discovered that your refrigerator water isn't filtered, here's how you can filter it: Install a Fridge Filter Your fridge might have a dedicated slot for a built-in filter, even if a water filter isn't currently installed. In that case, you can install a fridge water filter in this space. Make sure to install the right filter (it should be recommended in your user manual) or check that a filter is designed to fit in your refrigerator model before you spend your money. If your fridge doesn't have a dedicated built-in filter slot, you can still install a filter on the water line connecting the fridge to your cold water pipe. This type of filter is known as an inline filter and has a few benefits compared to a fridge filter: it's usually larger and has an improved contaminant removal capacity and longer lifespan. Use a Post-Filtration System You could also consider filtering your fridge water after dispensing it from the refrigerator. There are a few water filters that allow you to do this, including: - Water pitcher filters - Gravity water dispensers - Countertop reverse osmosis systems - Countertop gravity filters The type of system you opt for depends on your budget and will determine the contaminants removed. If you have a smaller budget, go for a water pitcher filter or dispenser. These usually cost less than $100, and the best systems can remove hundreds of contaminants. Countertop gravity systems are usually more expensive because they have a bigger water holding capacity and longer filter lifespan. Countertop RO systems provide the most thorough water purification and are the most expensive due to their comprehensive designs. More content: - What Do Refrigerator Water Filters Really Eliminate? - How Frequently Should You Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter? - The Best Fridge Water Filters, According to Our Experts 📑 Final Word Enjoying filtered water from your fridge is a luxury, so if you discover that your fridge has a water filter, great news! With that said, refrigerator water filters require maintenance to keep them in good working condition, so don't assume that your fridge drinking water is protected just because you have a filter installed. Most refrigerator water filters need to be replaced every six months, and replacing the filter is essential to prevent a buildup of contaminants, very slow flow rates, and the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful substances in the filter media. If you're not sure how often to change your fridge filter, check your user manual, search for your filter online, or contact the manufacturer. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Is Fridge Water Tap Water? (What You Need to Know)

Where does the water from your fridge come from? Is it the same as the drinking water from your faucets? In this article, we've discussed everything you should know about the safety and quality of water from your refrigerator, and how it compares to tap water. 📌 Key Takeaways: - Refrigerator water is the same as normal tap water and comes from the same water pipe. - Many fridges use water filters, which improve the quality of the water from the fridge dispenser and the ice from the ice maker. - For this reason, water from your refrigerator often tastes better than your normal tap water. 🤔 Is Refrigerator Water Tap Water? Yes, refrigerator water is tap water. Your fridge gets water from the same pipe as your kitchen sink. The only difference between fridge water and tap water is that most refrigerators have their own water filters, so fridge water is usually better quality than normal tap water. So, essentially, water from your refrigerator's water dispenser is an enhanced version of your tap water. 🚰 Where Does Fridge Water Come From? Fridge water comes from a water supply line in your home. Our homes have water pipes spanning through most rooms. These are used to carry water to and from fixtures and appliances, providing water on demand whenever needed. Your kitchen should contain water pipes leading to the sink. When your fridge was installed, the installer should have connected the fridge's water line (which is usually a flexible pipe) to the nearest water pipe behind the appliance. Usually, this means intercepting the cold water pipe that leads to your kitchen sink. So, you use the same water in your refrigerator as the water that's supplied to your faucet. 🔎 Is Fridge Water Safe To Drink? Yes, fridge water is safe to drink because it's the same drinking water that's delivered to your kitchen sink. Plus, most refrigerators have built-in filters that remove common drinking water contaminants, like chlorine and heavy metals. That makes refrigerator water safe to drink - safer, in fact, than your normal tap water. As long as you replace your refrigerator filter regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions, the water from your fridge dispenser should remain safe to drink. ✅ Is Fridge Water Better Than Sink Water? Yes, fridge water is usually better than sink water because it has fewer contaminants and tastes nicer. However, the answer to this question depends on whether or not your fridge has a built-in filter. Assuming that your fridge does have a filter, and you don't have a separate filter for your tap water, your fridge water should be better than your sink water. Most refrigerator filters can remove chlorine from your water source at the very least. That means your fridge can supply water that's free from the chemical taste and odor of chlorine. The quality of your fridge water versus your sink water depends on the contaminants that your fridge filter can remove. Some refrigerator water filters are more capable than others and can remove metals, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other impurities, greatly improving water taste, quality, and safety. If you don't have a refrigerator water filter in your appliance, the water from your fridge water dispenser will be exactly the same as the water from your sink. The only difference is that the water has been cooled before dispensing. 🆚 Fridge Filters vs Other Filter Types Getting filtered water from your refrigerator water dispenser is certainly better than drinking water straight from the tap. While municipal water supplies are legally "safe" to drink, they contain trace contaminants that many of us would rather not drink at all. These include VOCs, lead, chromium-6, fluoride PFAS, and other contaminants with health effects. Check your local Water Quality Report to see exactly what your water contains. If your fridge has a filter, that's great. However, most refrigerator water filters only offer basic contaminant removal. If you want to enjoy 100% clean water, it's worth considering upgrading to a more effective filter. Here are our recommendations for different situations: Under-Sink Filtration Systems An under-sink filtration system is the best option if you want to filter the drinking water at your kitchen sink. You can also connect your refrigerator to your cold water pipe downstream of the filter, so you can enjoy the same filtered water from your fridge. There are a few different types of under-sink filtration systems: - Single or multi-stage water filter systems - Reverse osmosis systems A capable under-sink filtration system can remove tens, even hundreds, of tap water contaminants. But if you want to treat your water with the most comprehensive process, go for a reverse osmosis system, which can remove up to 99.99% of all dissolved solids in your drinking water. Water Filter Pitchers If you want to remove hundreds of contaminants from your tap water without the expense of a built-in system, consider water filter pitchers. You can buy a highly capable water filtration system for less than $100, and many filter pitchers can remove more contaminants than a refrigerator filter. Take the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher, for example - this can remove 360+ contaminants, significantly improving water quality. Filtered water pitchers have the convenience of portability, but their main disadvantage is that their filtration process is slow. Unlike with a refrigerator filter, you won't get access to filtered water instantly. In-Line Water Filters If getting filtered drinking water from your refrigerator works best for you, consider upgrading your fridge filter to an in-line filter. In-line filters are installed at the water pipe upstream of your fridge, filtering the water coming into the fridge before it enters. Many in-line filters can remove twice, three times, or even up to four times the amount of contaminants than an inbuilt filter in your fridge. They're a great option to consider if you enjoy being able to access cool filtered drinking water and ice from your fridge, but you're looking for something a bit more comprehensive than your current filter. 📑 Final Word Fridge water is the same as the drinking water from your kitchen sink. In fact, it's often slightly better due to being filtered in your refrigerator before being dispensed. Refrigerator water has a taste akin to bottled water - but refrigerator filters have their limitations. If you want the very best-tasting, best quality drinking water from your fridge or kitchen faucet, make sure to consider alternative filtration options too. You Might Also Like: - Do You Really Need a Water Filter in Your Refrigerator? - Connecting Reverse Osmosis to Your Fridge - Are Refrigerator Water Filters Worth It? A Water Doctor's Take ❔ FAQ Where does the fridge water line come from? The fridge water line usually connects to the nearest water pipe behind it. You can connect your fridge's water system to your cold water supply line with a flexible pipe of any length, so it's possible to route the fridge to a water pipe across the room if necessary. How does water dispenser in fridge get water? The dispenser in a fridge gets water by tapping into the cold water supply pipe in your kitchen. Most refrigerators are connected to this pipe with a flexible water line. The same water is supplied to your fridge as to your kitchen sink. Where does fridge get water for ice? A fridge gets water for ice from its own internal water system. Fridges are hooked up to your water supply and pour this water over a chilled ice tray to make ice. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Does Clearly Filtered Remove PFAS? (What You Need to Know)

Clearly Filtered sells a range of popular water filers that are known for their ability to remove hundreds of contaminants - often massively outcompeting their competitors.  We know that the Clearly Filtered filters are capable, but can they remove PFAS? And which Clearly Filtered products are tested for PFAS removal? We’ve shared everything you need to know in this guide.  🚱 How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water? Before we discuss the Clearly Filtered water filters’ ability to reduce PFAS, let’s look at how these chemicals even end up in our water supplies in the first place.  There are a few ways that PFAS enter the environment, where they’re likely to eventually pollute our water: - Through industrial release to soil, water, or air - Through leaching from landfills - Through discharges from wastewater treatment facilities - Through runoff from certain fire-fighting foams Although PFAS are no longer used widely in the US, these chemicals are still imported into the country, and they’re present in many consumer products in our homes.  So, PFAS still end up in our landfills, and they linger in the environment for decades (that’s why they’re known as “forever chemicals”). That means even the PFAS that polluted our soils and land years ago are capable of traveling into our water supplies today.  But wait - isn’t public water treated to make it safe to drink? Yes, but most water treatment plants don’t provide comprehensive or thorough filtration that entirely eliminates PFAS. That’s why public drinking water supplies around the country still contain traces of these dangerous chemicals.  🩺 What Are the Potential Health Risks of PFAS? There’s a lot that we still don’t know about how PFAS may affect our health, and we only have limited research and information that applies to the most common types of PFAS (like PFOS, GenX, and PFOS).   A 2021 review of the research into the health effects of PFAS reported that PFAS exposure was linked to an increased likelihood of:  - Suppressed immune function - Developmental and reproductive outcomes - Testicular cancer - Thyroid cancer/disease - Liver and kidney cancer/disease - Dysregulation of lipids and insulin As we continue to research the human health effects of PFAS, it’s likely that more concerning data will emerge in the coming years.  🧪 How Can I Test for PFAS in My Water? If you’re serious about testing your water for PFAS, we strongly advise using a certified laboratory water test kit for the job.  A laboratory test provides the level of detail and accuracy you’ll be looking for if you want to get a clear understanding of the types and concentrations of PFAS chemicals in your drinking water.  As you’d expect, this sort of testing doesn’t come cheap. There’s a free alternative if you’re on a municipal water supply: check your water utility’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report. This should list the PFAS that your supplier has tested for, and the concentration of PFAS detected in the testing.  🤔 So, Does Clearly Filtered Filter Out PFAS? Clearly Filtered sells a variety of water filters, including pitchers, water bottles, under-sink systems, and inline fridge filters.  Of these filters, the following can reduce or remove PFAS:  - The Clearly Filtered Under-Sink Filtration System - The Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher - The Clearly Filtered Inline Fridge Filter The Clearly Filtered water bottle filter is the only system that hasn’t been tested to reduce PFAS. Clearly Filtered says this filter can remove PFAS, but testing hasn’t yet been completed.  Clearly Filtered shares handy data sheets that display the test results for each of its water filter systems. You can use these sheets to determine which PFAS chemicals are removed by which filter, and at what percentage of removal.  🔎 What Types Of PFAS Does Clearly Filtered Remove?  Clearly Filtered is one of the best water filter brands for PFAS removal because it doesn’t just tick a box by testing its filters to remove PFOS and PFOA, as many other manufacturers do.  The Clearly Filtered water filters have been tested and deemed capable of removing a range of PFAS chemicals. We’ve listed the types of PFAS removed by each Clearly Filtered water filter below.  The Clearly Filtered Under-Sink Filtration System can reduce:  The Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher can reduce: The Clearly Filtered Inline Fridge Filter can reduce: The contaminant removal range for these chemicals is >95.0%-99.8%, depending on the filter type and the chemical in question.  ⚗️ How Does Clearly Filtered Remove PFAS? According to Clearly Filtered, its Affinity Filtration media is mainly responsible for reducing PFAS. This media is proprietary, and Clearly Filtered hasn’t disclosed exactly what it’s made of.  Below, we’ve discussed what we do know about Clearly Filtered’s water filters, and how these design elements may enable PFAS reduction.  The Clearly Filtered water filters are made from coconut shell granular activated carbon (GAC) media and other proprietary filtration media. Carbon media - particularly GAC media - is endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as being one of the best water treatment technologies for reducing PFAS in drinking water.  When water flows through an activated carbon filter, certain contaminants are pulled into the media, while water molecules pass through the pores. This process is known as adsorption.  Although not disclosed by Clearly Filtered, we think the brand’s filters also use ion exchange resin (likely the “heavy metals” filter media), which is also deemed capable of PFAS reduction by the EPA. Anion exchange resins have a positive charge and attract negatively charged contaminants, including PFAS.  🚰 Other PFAS Water Filters We recommend the Clearly Filtered Inline Fridge Filter, Under-Sink Filtration System, and Water Pitcher Filter as the best filters for anyone looking specifically at these filter types. Clearly Filtered offers a superior contaminant removal performance, and you won’t find many other filters that can remove as many PFAS chemicals - not to mention hundreds of other contaminants.  However, if you’re keen to keep your options open and you want to know how else you can reduce PFAS in your water, we recommend:  - Reverse osmosis filters - Remove around 90-95% of PFAS - Water distiller units - Remove up to 99% of PFAS Reverse osmosis systems filter water more comprehensively than any of the Clearly Filtered systems. They’re considered the most effective at PFAS removal, but at a price - they also waste water and remove healthy alkaline minerals from water.  Water distillers are another effective water purification method, but they’re very slow to produce even a small batch of water, and they also remove healthy minerals and ions.  More Content: - Debunking Myths About Brita Filters and PFAS Removal - Assessing Zero Water Filters and PFAS Removal - 6 Highly Rated Water Filters for PFAs ( ) ❔FAQ Can the Clearly Filtered water filters remove GenX? Only the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher has been tested to remove GenX. That suggests to us that the Clearly Filtered under-sink and inline fridge filters aren’t capable of reducing this chemical.  Is Clearly Filtered certified for PFAS removal? Yes, the Clearly Filtered pitcher filter is certified by the WQA to remove up to 99.5% PFAS from drinking water in compliance with NSF Standards. That means you can rely on the filter to do what it’s advertised to do.  Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Does Hydroviv Remove PFAS? (What You Need to Know)

Hydroviv offers a few different water filters for home use: shower filters, under-sink filters, and refrigerator filters.  You might be tempted to buy a Hydroviv filter - but first, you need to know whether it removes PFAS.  In this guide, we’ve answered the question, “Does Hydroviv remove PFAS?” 🚱 How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water? Before we look at Hydroviv’s contaminant removal abilities, let’s quickly look at PFAS and how they enter our drinking water in the first place.  PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they take decades to break down. That means they linger in the environment for a very long time, so there’s a high likelihood of them eventually being transported into our surface and groundwater supplies due to runoff and soil seepage.  But how do PFAS end up in the environment in the first place? There are a few different reasons, including:  - Pollution from wastewater treatment plants - Industrial waste (possibly incorrectly disposed of) - Factory air emissions - Runoff from firefighting foams Since research revealed the dangerous health effects of PFAS, these chemicals have been phased out of use almost entirely in the US. However, PFAS are still imported into the country, and products containing PFAS still end up littering landfills and polluting the environment.  Our public water utilities use basic filtration processes to remove contaminants from drinking water and make it safe for human consumption. However, most water treatment plants lack the facilities to effectively address PFAS, so the water delivered to our homes still contains traces of these chemicals.  🩺 What Are the Potential Health Risks of PFAS? We’re still in the early days of researching the possible health effects of PFAS, and the information that we know so far is based on limited studies of some of the most common forever chemicals.  A 2021 review of studies into PFAS toxicity reported that exposure to these chemicals increases your risk of the following health effects: - Thyroid disease and cancer - Liver and kidney disease and cancer - Testicular cancer - Suppressed immune function - Dysregulation of lipids and insulin - Developmental and reproductive outcomes This test data is already concerning, and it’s likely that many more PFAS-related adverse health effects will be discovered in the coming years.  🧪 How Can I Test for PFAS in My Water? Our top-recommended method of testing for PFAS in tap water is to use a certified laboratory water test kit. A laboratory test provides more comprehensive and accurate results than using a DIY test kit. You can learn which PFAS are present in your water supply, and the concentrations of each of these chemicals.  Lab testing for PFAS isn’t cheap. If you’re on a tight budget or you just don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a water test, take a look at your water utility’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report. This should list any of the PFAS that have been detected in your water supply at the treatment plant.  🤔 So, Does Hydroviv Filter Out PFAS? Two of Hydroviv’s filters - the under-sink filter and refrigerator water filter - are capable of reducing PFAS in drinking water throughout the lifespan of the filter cartridges.  Hydroviv has tested its water filters to remove various types of PFAS and shared the test results which you can view here and here. These test results are based on an ongoing sink water filter monitoring program run by the manufacturer. Hydroviv also took part in a Duke University and NC State study, which compared popular residential water filters and their ability to remove PFAS. The study found that Hydroviv’s filters were more capable than many other big brand filters, including PUR, Berkey, and Brita, at removing PFAS from tap water.  So, good news - Hydroviv is one of the best water filter brands if PFAS reduction is your priority.  🔎 What Types Of PFAS Does Hydroviv Remove?  Hydroviv’s under-sink and refrigerator water filters have both been tested and proven capable of removing GenX, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, PFHxS, and PFOS.  It’s possible that the filters can remove or at least reduce other types of PFAS, but these are the only PFAS chemicals that were tested to remove (perhaps because they were the only chemicals present in the test water).  ⚗️ How Does Hydroviv Remove PFAS? Hydroviv water filters are custom-made by the company’s so-called “Water Nerds” based on the quality of your tap water supply.  However, for Hydroviv to so confidently say that its under-sink filters and refrigerator filters can remove PFAS, we think the primary filter media must be consistent across all custom blends.  We can’t say for certain exactly what filter media is used to reduce PFAS in the Hydroviv filters, but since the filters are NSF certified to Standards 42 (for chlorine reduction) and 53 (for the removal of contaminants with health effects), we’d hedge a bet on the filters being carbon-based.  Carbon filter media is endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency for its ability to effectively reduce up to 100% of PFAS in drinking water. Carbon filters work by adsorbing contaminants, pulling them into the filter media while water molecules can pass through.  Ion exchange resin is also used in Hydroviv filters, and is another media that’s listed by the EPA as being effective in removing PFAS. Forever chemicals have a negative charge and are attracted to positively charged anion exchange resins.  Hydroviv.com 🚰 Other PFAS Water Filters Hydroviv’s water filters are some of the most capable we’ve seen for removing PFAS. But what if you want to look beyond refrigerator or under-sink filters? What other options do you have? We recommend:  - Water pitcher filters- Remove 80-98% of PFAS - Water distiller units - Remove up to 99% of PFAS - Reverse osmosis filters - Remove around 90-95% of PFAS Reverse osmosis systems provide comprehensive filtration, so they’re a great choice if you want to reduce PFAS and the majority of other dissolved solids from your water.  But if you’re looking for an affordable, portable water filter that can reduce PFAS, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Filter. This pitcher reduces 99.4% of a variety of forever chemicals, like NFBS, PFOS, PFOA, GenX, EPFB PFBS, and PFBA. It also removes up to 360 other drinking water contaminants.  Related Readings: - Does Berkey Remove PFAS? Expert Analysis - Assessing PUR Filters for PFAS Removal - Do Lifestraw filters Reduce PFAS? ❔ FAQ Can the Hydroviv filters remove PFOA? There’s no testing data that proves the Hydroviv filters can remove PFOA. However, the filters can reduce other types of PFAS, including PFOS and GenX.  Does Hydroviv actually remove PFAS? The Hydroviv filters have been third-party tested to NSF Standards and have official NSF certifications for their ability to remove PFAS - so yes, they do actually remove these chemicals. There’s no better guarantee of performance than NSF certifications.  Does the Hydroviv shower filter reduce PFAS? No. As far as we can tell, the Hydroviv shower filter doesn’t reduce PFAS. It’s safe to shower and bathe in water containing PFAS, so it’s not essential that a shower filter reduces these chemicals.  Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Do Carbon Filters Remove PFAS? (What You Need to Know)

Wondering whether a carbon water filter is capable of removing PFAS from your drinking water? We've shared everything you should know about carbon water filters for PFAS reduction in this article. 📌 Key Takeaways: - A carbon filter can remove around 73% of PFAS on average. - Not all carbon water filters reduce drinking water PFAS. Some remove virtually no PFAS, while others remove almost 100% of PFAS. - Factors affecting a carbon filter's ability to reduce PFAS in drinking water include the filter age, quality, size, and surface area, the type of carbon media used, the types of PFAS present, and the water chemistry. 🚱 How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water? PFAS are widely present in the environment, and they also take decades to break down, which makes them common pollutants in our water supplies. There are several ways that PFAS may end up in the environment, including as a result of: - Pollution from wastewater treatment plants - Factory air emissions - Runoff from firefighting foams - Industrial waste Once in the environment, PFAS can enter our surface water and groundwater supplies due to soil seepage and surface runoff. While PFAS are no longer used widely in the US, they're still imported into the country. PFAS aren't usually removed at the treatment plant by public water systems because water utilities don't often have the facilities to address these chemicals. 🩺 What Are the Potential Health Risks of PFAS? A 2021 review of studies into the health effects of PFAS exposure reported that PFAS could affect the human body by increasing the risk of: - Cancer - Thyroid problems - Liver and kidney disease - Adverse immune effects - Insulin and Lipid dysregulation - Reproductive and developmental health effects The study researchers acknowledge that these health effects were based on the study of "relatively few example compounds", and that hundreds of other PFAS in water are lacking toxicity data. In other words, it's highly likely that there are other health effects of PFAS exposure that we don't know about yet. 🧪 How Can I Test for PFAS in My Water? The best way to not only detect PFAS, but get an understanding of the PFAS concentration present in your tap water, is to buy a test package from a certified laboratory. Lab testing gives you a detailed overview of both the PFAS contaminants that have been detected and the concentration that they were detected at. A PFAS lab test costs hundreds of dollars, so it's not for everyone. If you don't want to spend so much on a water test, you can check your most recent annual Water Quality Report (if you're on a municipal tap water supply) to see which PFAS have been detected by your water supplier. 🤔 So, Does A Carbon Filter Remove PFAS? Generally, carbon filters can remove or at least reduce PFAS from tap water. However, this isn't a guarantee, which is why not all manufacturers of carbon water filters claim that their filters can reduce these chemicals. Some carbon water filters remove PFAS, while others don't. Don't assume that all water filters with a carbon bed are equal in their contaminant reduction abilities. We've discussed the factors affecting a carbon filter's ability to remove PFAS later in this article. 🔎 How Do Carbon Water Filters Remove PFAS? Carbon water filters reduce or remove PFAS by adsorbing these chemicals into their filter media. Adsorption is when contaminants physically and chemically accumulate on the activated carbon surface. As a highly porous material, activated carbon is an effective adsorbent and grabs onto contaminants like PFAS as water flows through the media. ⚗️ How Much PFAS Can A Carbon Filter Remove? According to a study by Duke and NC State scientists, activated carbon water filters removed 73% of PFAS contaminants on average. However, the study noted that this contaminant removal percentage varied widely, and that the chemicals were entirely removed in some cases, while in others, they weren't reduced at all. The researchers concluded that changing the water filters is "probably a good idea" to maintain effective PFAS reduction levels. 🧾 What Affects A Carbon Filter's Ability To Remove PFAS? Let's take a look at the factors that affect an activated carbon filter's ability to reduce or remove PFAS from drinking water: Filter Surface Area & Size First, the filter size and surface area impact the concentration of PFAS it can remove from water flowing through the media. The bigger the filter and the larger the surface area, the more PFAS chemicals can be captured across the media. But in smaller filters with a smaller surface area, there's less available space to capture the PFAS contaminants, reducing the filter's PFAS removal abilities. Type Of Carbon Used There are a few different types of activated carbon media that may be used in home water treatment systems. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is cited as an effective method of removing PFAS by the Environmental Protection Agency, but we couldn't find much evidence to suggest that carbon block is as effective in PFAS removal. A couple of sources say that catalytic carbon is capable of removing forever chemicals, but this media isn't widely discussed as a solution for reducing PFAS. Types Of PFAS Present The types of PFAS present in your water will also impact a carbon water filter's ability to remove them. There are tens of different PFAS compounds, far beyond the handful of chemicals that are better known. These compounds have varying chemical structures and sizes, which can affect their affinity for carbon surfaces. Some PFAS compounds may be more difficult for an activated carbon filter to remove than others. Some may be small enough to slip through the carbon filter's pores. Generally, activated carbon media is better at removing larger PFAS, like GenX, and longer-chain PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS. It's not as effective at adsorbing shorter-chain PFAS, like PFBS and PFBA. Adsorption Capacity An activated carbon filter's adsorption capacity also affects how much PFAS it can remove. Adsorption capacity varies depending on factors including the filter quality, and the contact time that water has with the filter media. Generally, the better quality the filter, and the slower the flow of water through the filter, the longer the contact time between water and the media, and the more PFAS the filter can remove. Water Chemistry The composition of the water you're treating can impact PFAS removal. There are a few water chemistry factors that could affect a carbon filter's ability to reduce PFAS, including pH, temperature, and the presence of other contaminants. Adjusting your water's pH levels within a certain range may help to enhance PFAS removal. Activated carbon tends to remove contaminants the most effectively when water has a pH of less than 7.0. Filter Age As an activated carbon filter reaches the end of its lifespan, it becomes less capable of removing contaminants like PFAS. Toward the end of the filter life, it has a reduced capacity to trap impurities, and may allow contaminants to slip through the media with the water molecules. That's why it's important to replace your filters on time - to ensure a long-lasting performance from your water filtration system. Other Media Or Filters Many activated carbon filters are made with a blend of carbon and other filter media, like ion exchange resins. These are also capable of reducing or removing PFAS, helping to reduce the overall PFAS concentration. You often also find activated carbon filters in reverse osmosis systems, which combine carbon filtration with reverse osmosis membranes. Reverse osmosis filters can remove up to 99.9% of all total dissolved solids, including PFAS, so they enhance the PFAS reduction capabilities of a carbon filter. 🚰 How Can You Tell If A Carbon Filter Removes PFAS? The best way to tell if a carbon filter removes PFAS is to check the product details and look for third-party test data. Many manufacturers share their test results online, so you'll be able to see which PFAS contaminants the filter has been tested to remove (if any), and what percentage of chemicals it was able to remove. Manufacturers of water filtration systems can also get their filters certified by the NSF for PFAS reduction. There was originally a dedicated NSF Standard for PFAS - P473 - but from what we understand, this Standard is now no longer relevant and manufacturers can simply obtain an NSF 53 certification (for the removal of contaminants with health effects) or an NSF 58 certification (for reverse osmosis systems). If a manufacturer doesn't clearly outline exactly what contaminants its filters can remove, contact customer service and ask to see a copy of the test data. Does test data or a certification prove that a tap water filter can remove all PFAS chemicals from water? Unfortunately not. There are more than 4,700 PFAS chemicals that exist today, and most manufacturers only get their filters tested to remove a few of the most common PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. It's possible that your water could contain traces of other types of PFAS that are small enough to slip through a carbon filter's media. So, the manufacturer's broad claim that its filter can "remove PFAS" may not be entirely true. More Readings: - Exploring the Effectiveness of PUR Filters on PFAS Removal - Do Zero Water Filters Remove PFAS Contaminants - Do Fridge Filters Remove PFAS? 📑 Final Word Under the right circumstances, a granular activated carbon water filter should be capable of reducing or removing PFAS. However, not all carbon filters reduce PFAS. That's why you might have noticed that many popular water pitcher brands, like Brita and PUR, don't say that their carbon-based filters can remove these forever chemicals. Do your research and make sure a water filter can reduce PFAS before you spend your money. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Do PUR Filters Remove PFAS? (Everything You Need to Know)

PUR pitcher filters are popular for their affordability and their reliability in removing a selection of common drinking water contaminants. But do PUR pitchers remove PFAS? If you're interested in buying a PUR water filter pitcher but you want to confirm its PFAS removal abilities first, this guide will provide the answers you need. 🚱 How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water? PFAS chemicals get into drinking water supplies because of their widespread presence in the environment. There are a few different ways that PFAS end up in the environment, including: - Runoff from firefighting foams - Pollution from wastewater treatment plants - Air emissions from factories - Waste from industrial sites Once in the environment, PFAS can linger for decades (hence their "forever chemicals" status), and they eventually end up contaminating our surface water and groundwater supplies as a result of surface runoff and soil seepage. The good news is that PFAS chemicals are no longer used by many of the biggest manufacturers in the US, although sadly, this doesn't prevent PFAS from being imported into the country. Why aren't PFAS removed by our water suppliers? Most don't have the facilities or infrastructure to remove these chemicals, which is why they're still present in trace levels in the water that reaches our faucets. Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 🩺 What Are the Potential Health Risks of PFAS? There are a few known health risks of PFAS in water, according to research into several of the most common PFAS. When you consume PFAS in your tap water, you're at an increased risk of: - Thyroid effects - Liver and kidney disease - Cancer - Immune system effects - Lipid and insulin dysregulation - Developmental and reproductive effects This data is reflective of research into the most common types of PFAS, but the reality is that there are hundreds of PFAS chemicals with possible human health effects that lack toxicity data. So there's a lot that we still don't know about how this group of chemicals might affect our health in the long term. 🧪 How Can I Test for PFAS in My Water? You'll get the most accurate and comprehensive insight into the PFAS concentration in your drinking water by using a certified laboratory testing package. Lab testing provides detailed data that tells you the percentage of PFAS your water contains, as well as the different types of PFAS chemicals present. The cost of a lab test for PFAS is around $300. If you don't want to spend so much on a test and you get your water from a municipal supplier, you can at least find out which PFAS chemicals have been detected in your water supply by checking your most recent annual Water Quality Report. 🤔 So, Does PUR Filter Out PFAS? PUR sells two filters for its filtered water pitcher models: the PUR Pitcher Filter and the PUR Plus Pitcher Filter. You can download test datasheets on the PUR website to learn exactly what both of these water filter cartridges remove. According to these datasheets, neither the PUR Pitcher Filter nor the PUR Plus Pitcher Filter removes PFAS from drinking water. But does this actually mean that the PUR filters can't filter out PFAS? Not necessarily. PUR's datasheets only show the contaminants that the filters have been tested and certified to remove. So, while the filters aren't certified to remove PFAS, they might still be capable of PFAS removal. PUR standard filters are made with a granular activated carbon (GAC) media and ion exchange resin, and the PUR Plus filter contains a blend of granular activated carbon and ion exchange resin enclosed in a pleated microfilter. Both activated carbon filters and ion exchange filters are effective in removing PFAS and are even recommended by the EPA, so both of PUR's filters should remove PFAS, even if they're not tested or advertised to remove these chemicals. 🔎 Why Don't PUR Filters Remove PFAS? We don't know that PUR filters definitely don't remove PFAS - it's just that PUR hasn't claimed that its filters do remove these chemicals, and it hasn't had its filters tested and certified by the NSF for this purpose. There could be a few reasons for this. PUR might have plans to obtain testing in the future, but NSF certifications are quite expensive and can take a long time to deliver results. Or, despite being ion exchange and activated carbon filters, which usually do allow for effective PFAS removal, PUR filters might simply be incapable of reducing PFAS contaminants reliably enough to obtain testing or certifications for their performance. There's also the possibility that the PUR filters simply don't contain enough activated carbon filter media to remove all PFAS, so while they might remove some forever chemicals, they don't offer removal rates that are worth boasting about. 🚰 Other PFAS Water Filters We don't blame you if you want to sidestep PUR pitchers and look for a water filtration system that's tested and/or certified to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. Some of the other water filtration systems that can often remove or reduce PFAS in water include: - Other pitcher filter models - Remove 80-98% PFAS - Reverse osmosis filters - Remove around 90-95% of PFAS - Water distiller units - Remove up to 99% of PFAS A reverse osmosis system is great if you have a big budget, but if you want to buy a water filter pitcher because of its affordability and portability, we recommend looking at the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Filter. This pitcher proves that you don't have to spend a fortune on a reverse osmosis filter to effectively remove contaminants from your water. It reduces more than 360 tap water impurities, including 99.4% of a variety of forever chemicals, like EPFB, NFBS, PFOA, GenX, PFBS, PFBA, and PFOS. You might also like: - Identifying the Full List of PFAS Chemicals in Products to Avoid - Does Zero Water Remove PFAS? - Does a Brita Filter Remove PFAS? - Discover the Best Water Filtration Systems to Eliminate PFAS Forever Chemicals ❔ FAQ Does the PUR faucet filter remove PFAS? No, neither of the PUR faucet filters can remove PFAS. They can remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, mercury, and BPA, but no PFAS. View the faucet filter datasheet here. What chemicals do PUR filters remove? Some of the chemicals removed by PUR water filters include chlorine and BPA. These filters haven't been tested to remove many contaminants, so it's possible that they may at least reduce certain other chemicals, including PFAS, pesticides, and herbicides. Are PUR filters tested to remove PFAS? No, PUR filters haven't been tested or certified to remove PFAS. The pitcher filters are certified to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, for the removal of chlorine, contaminants with health effects, and emerging contaminants - but they're not certified to remove PFOA and PFOS (NSF P473). Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Does Zero Water Filter Remove PFAS? (What You Need to Know)

PFAS are known to have a number of dangerous health effects, so we don't blame you if you're looking for a way to filter these harmful chemicals out of your water. In this guide, we've answered the common question: "Does the Zero Water filter remove PFAS?" 🚱 How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water? PFAS chemicals are less commonly nowadays used since a voluntary agreement among PFAS manufacturers and the FDA to phase out the production of such chemicals by 2024. Unfortunately, though, these dangerous chemicals are still widely present in the environment due to their "forever chemical" status - meaning it takes decades for them to break down. Plus, there's nothing stopping PFAS chemicals from being imported into the country. Most PFAS are released into the environment as a result of air emissions from production facilities that use forever chemicals, industrial water waste, and runoff from firefighting foams. They enter our drinking water supplies when they seep through soils or are carried into surface waters due to surface runoff. When public drinking water supplies are treated by municipalities, these treatments are usually incapable of removing or eliminating PFAS, which is how we end up drinking these synthetic chemicals in our tap water. Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 🩺 What Are the Potential Health Risks of PFAS? According to recent research, some of the potential health risks of PFAS in water are: - Liver and kidney disease - Cancer - Altered immune function - Thyroid effects - Lipid and insulin dysregulation - Adverse reproductive effects - Developmental issues This data is reflective of research into the most common types of PFAS, but the reality is that there are hundreds of PFAS chemicals with possible human health effects that lack toxicity data. So there's a lot that we still don't know about PFAS and their possible health effects - but what we know so far isn't exactly good news. 🧪 How Can I Test for PFAS in My Water? If you're looking for comprehensive results, we recommend using a private testing package from a laboratory to test for PFAS in your water. A lab test will tell you exactly which types of PFAS your tap water contains, and how much PFAS is present. Laboratory testing for PFAS chemicals will usually set you back around $300, but you'll struggle to find any DIY test kits that accurately test for these contaminants. 🤔 So, Does Zero Water Filter Out PFAS? Yes, the Zero Water filter can reduce PFAS in drinking water. In fact, ZeroWater filters are NSF certified to reduce PFAS - the best industry-backed assurance that the filters can effectively reduce PFAS chemicals. Zero Water's water filter performance data sheet is a bit vague about the filter's PFAS removal, but we checked the "Ask A Question" section on one of the pitcher product listings and found that Zero Water had responded to a few people asking about PFAS removal, saying that its filters could reduce PFAS up to 94.9%. So, while Zero Water filters can't eliminate PFAS - something that's difficult for any water filter pitcher to do - they can at least reduce these chemicals down to around 5%. 🧾 List Of PFAS Removed By Zero Water Pitcher There are two PFAS chemicals that Zero Water has been tested and certified to remove: - PFOS - PFOA These are two of the most well-known and widely used chemicals, so it makes sense that the Zero Water filtered water pitcher can remove them. However, there are tens of other PFAS that exist in the environment today, including PFBA, PFBS, PFNA, NFBS, GenX, and so many more. We'd love for ZeroWater to get its pitcher filters tested for their ability to remove these other chemicals, because really, it's a bit misleading to say that your filters offer PFAS reduction if you've only tested their ability to reduce two of tens of chemicals. 🔎 How Do Zero Water Filters Remove PFAS? The ZeroWater water filter pitcher uses an ion exchange resin, which uses five stages of filtration to reduce virtually all total dissolved solids (TDS). Ion exchange has been called an "efficient technology" for the removal of PFAS - especially the removal of short-chain PFAS that can't be removed by carbon adsorption. Included in the filter blend is an activated carbon media, which works effectively alongside the ion exchange resin to reduce PFAS chemicals. 🚰 Other PFAS Water Filters There are a few other private drinking water filtration systems that can reduce or remove forever chemicals in a tap water supply, including: - Reverse osmosis systems - Remove around 90-95% of PFAS - Other pitcher filter models using carbon or ion exchange filtration - Remove 80-98% PFAS - Water distillation - Removes up to 99% of forever chemicals If you like the convenience and affordability of water filter pitchers but you're not sure about ZeroWater's filtration technology, take a look at the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Filter. This pitcher reduces up to 99.4% of a variety of forever chemicals, including GenX, EPFB, NFBS, PFBS, PFBA, PFOA, and PFOS, according to test results shared online. More Readings: - Assessing Brita Filters' Effectiveness on PFAS Removal - The Complete List of Products With Potentially Harmful PFAS Chemicals ❔ FAQ Does ZeroWater remove PFOA and PFOS? Yes, the Zero Water filter has been tested and certified by the NSF to reduce PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. The brand's test results don't give percentages for PFOS and PFOA removal, but we found the response from the seller on a pitcher product page saying that the filters can reduce these chemicals down to 94.9%. Are ZeroWater filters tested to remove PFAS? Yes, ZeroWater filters are tested by a "quality filter testing laboratory" (according to the manufacturer) for contaminant removal. The ZeroWater filters are also NSF tested and certified for PFAS removal, which is about as reassuring as it gets. Is ZeroWater NSF certified to reduce PFAS? Yes, ZeroWater pitchers have an official NSF certification to reduce two well-known types of PFAS: PFOS and PFOA. We don't know whether the pitchers remove any other types of PFAS because this information hasn't been shared online. Does ZeroWater filter out forever chemicals? Yes, ZeroWater filters up to 94.9% of forever chemicals out of tap water, according to the manufacturer's test results. If you're concerned about PFAS contamination in your water, you can use the Zero Water pitcher to address at least two of the most common forever chemicals. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Should I Use Activated Carbon Filters for Well Water?

Activated carbon is one of the most popular water filter media - but should you use this type of water filter for well water? Here, we've shared everything you should know about activated carbon filtration for private wells, including how it works, its benefits and setbacks, and how effectively it treats various well water contaminants. 📌 Key Takeaways: - An activated carbon (AC) filter is a type of water filter that's best known for its ability to remove chlorine, tastes and odors from municipal water. - There are various types of filters that use carbon media, including catalytic, granular, and carbon block filters. - AC filters are suitable for well water, but you might need to install a pre-treatment system, and you'll probably need additional filters, depending on what your water contains. 🔎 What Is An Activated Carbon Water Filter? An activated carbon water filter is an affordable, popular water filter that reduces aesthetic drinking water contaminants using a process called adsorption. You'll find activated carbon filters in various different types of filter systems, including water filter pitchers, under-sink filters, shower filters, and whole house water filter systems. Activated carbon filtration is also used to support membrane separation in a reverse osmosis system. There are a few different materials that are used in activated carbon media. Coconut shell carbon is a popular choice, but there are also charcoal carbon filters, and filters made from wood and peat. The three common types of activated carbon filters are: - Granular activated carbon filters - consist of loose carbon particles - Carbon block filters - made with blocks of compressed carbon - Catalytic carbon filters - use an enhanced media that can remove additional contaminants We've discussed the suitability of these filter types for well water later in this guide. ⚙️ How Does An Activated Carbon Filter Work? Activated carbon works by using a chemical reaction to eliminate chlorine, other chemicals, and bad tastes and odors. The filter's pores trap larger contaminants, while the smaller contaminants bind to the filter media, so they're unable to pass through the filter system with the water molecules. Carbon filters have a very large surface area and are very porous, meaning that they can trap a broad range of contaminants as water passes through the filter media. A carbon filtration system will continue to filter water until the media becomes clogged with contaminants, and water can no longer efficiently flow through the filter pores. When this happens, you can replace the filter cartridge to enjoy improved filtration once again. 🧱 Are Activated Carbon Filters Suitable For Well Water? Yes, activated carbon filters are suitable for well water - but that doesn't mean they're the best choice for your water treatment requirements. Activated carbon is typically used to treat chlorinated city water because its main purpose is to remove chlorine. Private well water isn't treated with chlorine (unless you use a chlorination injection system at home), so using a water filter system with carbon media won't have much of an effect on your water quality. Plus, well water often contains contaminants that could clog or foul carbon media, such as iron and hardness minerals. If you use a carbon filtration system for your well water with no pre-treatment, certain contaminants could quickly clog the media, and you'd have to replace the filter earlier than expected. We've discussed these points in more detail later on. 🧫 What Contaminants Does Activated Carbon Remove? Activated carbon filters remove contaminants including chlorine, some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some disinfection byproducts (such as trihalomethanes), some types of PFAS (such as PFOS and PFOA), pesticides and herbicides, and some heavy metals. The effectiveness of a carbon filter's ability to remove these contaminants depends on the filter's size, surface area, and materials. Some carbon water filters offer more capable contaminant removal than others. For instance, catalytic carbon can remove all the above contaminants, as well as chloramine and hydrogen sulfide (sulfur). The table below shows which contaminants activated carbon filtration can reduce or remove. 💧 Well Water Overview Well water is a private water supply, typically sourced from an underground aquifer, that's collected via a well pump. The defining feature of well water is that it isn't treated by a municipal water utility before it's delivered to your home. Well water is typically cleaner than surface water because it undergoes a "natural" filtration process on its journey through the layers of rock and soil to reach the aquifer. But the underground location of well water often makes it susceptible to contamination from impurities that don't affect city water supplies, such as heavy metals and minerals. These contaminants may affect the carbon filtration process, or they make make the water unsuitable for treatment with carbon media. 🔬 Common Well Water Contaminants Some of the common well water contaminants are: - Pesticides and herbicides - Caused by soil seepage or agricultural runoff from farmland - Chemicals - Such as nitrates & nitrites, from fertilizers, sewage, and animal waste - Copper & lead - Leach from old well or plumbing systems that use corroding copper or lead pipes - Hydrogen sulfide - Caused by the presence of sulfur-reducing bacteria and has a distinct rotten egg smell - Iron & manganese - Found in wells that are in close proximity to rocks and soils with a high mineral content - Fluoride - Occurs naturally underground in many regions - Hardness minerals - Enter well water supplies through leaching from rocks and soils when water seeps into the aquifer - Radionuclides - Such as radium and uranium, found in many soils and rocks - Microorganisms - Including viruses, cysts, and bacteria, often get into wells due to leaking from a septic system or contamination from other sources of human or animal waste You can see that a number of the contaminants found in well water, including pesticides and herbicides, chemicals, some heavy metals, and hydrogen sulfide, can sometimes (although not always) be treated with a carbon drinking water filter system. Other contaminants can't be removed by activated carbon, and some may foul or clog the carbon media. 🤔 Should You Pre-Treat Your Well Water Before Filtering With Activated Carbon? We recommend pre-treating your well water prior to carbon water filtration if it contains more than trace levels of the following contaminants: - Iron - Hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) - Sulfur (unless you're using catalytic carbon) - Manganese - Tannins - Sediment All of these contaminants will clog or foul the carbon surface, resulting in more frequent filter changes. ⚖️ Pros & Cons Of Activated Carbon For Well Water Let's look at some of the benefits and setbacks of using AC filtration for well water. Pros - Removes poor tastes and odors - If your well water contains chemicals, pesticides, and other impurities affecting taste and odor, a carbon system should give you better-tasting and smelling water. - Affordable - Whole house systems containing carbon cartridges are significantly cheaper than other well water treatment systems. Carbon is an affordable media that's easy to source and use for filtration purposes. - Versatile - There are various types of carbon for water filtration, and you can use carbon cartridges alongside other filters in multi-stage systems, such as whole home filters and reverse osmosis systems, further reducing well water contaminants. Cons - May reduce water pressure - As the carbon media becomes more and more clogged with contaminants, it'll slow the water flow through the media. As a result, your water pressure will drop - not ideal in whole house filters. - Media may be damaged by certain contaminants - The filter media may be fouled or clogged by iron, hardness minerals, and other well water contaminants. - Doesn't reduce all contaminants - AC filters are better for treating chlorinated drinking water, and don't address many common impurities found in a well. 🆚 Carbon vs Other Well Water Filters GAC, catalytic carbon, and carbon block filters all have their place in the water treatment industry. But none of these filters alone will target the most common well water contaminants. Other, more effective filters to consider for well water treatment are: Filter TypeWell Water Contaminants RemovedOxidation filters iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganeseSediment filterssand, silt, dirt, rust, and other debrisWater Softenershard waterUV purifiersbacteria and viruses Of course, it all depends on what your water contains. That's why we recommend conducting a water test before you start shopping for filters, so you know exactly what you need to remove. 📝 What To Consider When Choosing A Carbon System For Well Water Here are some of the things you should consider when you're choosing a carbon system for your well water. Filter Type Whether you choose a catalytic, granular activated, or carbon block filter depends on the contaminants your water contains and where the filter will be installed. GAC filters are most commonly used for whole-house filtration. If you also want to reduce low levels of hydrogen sulfide, a filter made with catalytic carbon is best. Pre-Filtration As we've already discussed, certain well water impurities may damage the media in a carbon system. You'll likely need to install a pre-filter system, such as a sediment filter, an iron filter, or a water softening system, that removes these contaminants upstream of the carbon water filter. Other Filter Stages We strongly recommend using carbon alongside additional filtration media to remove a greater range of contaminants from your well water. There are a few cartridge-based whole house water filters that combine GAC filters or carbon block filters with sediment and KDF filters, enabling the system to also remove sediment and heavy metals (two likely well water impurities). Carbon block or GAC alone probably won't be worth the investment for treating well water, but combining this media with other filters elevates its performance and contaminant removal abilities. Use Point Most well owners are looking for a whole-home water filtration system that can remove contaminants in the water that's used in their entire plumbing system. That means you can enjoy clean, filtered water in all your fixtures and appliances, and you'll protect your plumbing from aesthetic contaminants. But you may only want to treat your tap water, and in that case, you'll have various use points to choose from (countertop, under-sink, faucet, etc.) at a more affordable upfront cost. 🔚 Final Word So, should you use activated carbon filters for private well water? It depends on what your water contains. Test your water if you haven't already. If it contains various VOCs, chemicals, pesticides, and PFAS, you'll benefit from using a filter that uses carbon media - but you might need to use a pre-treatment filter to remove contaminants that could clog the media, or other contaminants that carbon media won't remove. If your water doesn't contain the above contaminants but contains hardness minerals, iron, tannins, or sediment, you'll be better off with another type of whole house water filter, such as an oxidation filter system or a water softener. Regardless of your choice, make sure to buy a filter that's intended for filtering well water. The manufacturer should clearly state "well water filter" in the product title or description. That way, you know you're getting a filter that has been intentionally designed to treat groundwater supplies. ❔ FAQs Should you use a carbon filter on well water? Whether or not you should use a carbon filter on well water depends on what your water contains. If your biggest problem is heavy metals, you're better off looking for an oxidation system that will remove these effectively. Or, if you have hard water, you need a water softener, not a carbon water filter. But if your water contains chemicals and pesticides, then a filter with carbon media will remove these contaminants. How often do you change the carbon filter in well water? You may need to change a carbon water filter more frequently if you have well water that's particularly high in TDS, which will clog the filter at a faster rate. However, we would need to know more information to be able to advise on how often to change the carbon water filter, including the size and expected lifespan of the filter, whether any pre-filtration is used, and the filter use point (point of entry vs point of use). The best method is to change the filter whenever your water flow rate becomes noticeably slower. Does carbon filter reduce hard water? No, a carbon filter doesn't reduce hard water. Water hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium minerals. A carbon water filter can only reduce chemicals, tastes, and odors in water. The calcium and magnesium minerals will pass through the filter pores along with the water molecules. If you want to tackle water hardness, the most effective treatment solution is a water softener. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Water Filter Pitchers for Seniors & the Immunocompromised

If you’re over the age of 60 or you have a weakened immune system, you’ll know the importance of treating your body with respect and taking the effort to reduce your exposure to toxins where possible.  In this guide, we’ve discussed using water filter pitchers for seniors and people with weakened immune systems, including their benefits, setbacks, and considerations you should make.  📌 Key Takeaways:  - Water filter pitchers are good for seniors and people with weakened immune systems because they remove up to hundreds of harmful contaminants that could be dangerous to these two parties.  - The best water filter pitchers are also affordable and easy to use.  - However, filtered water jugs don’t purify water, and they’re more expensive to use than nothing.  🤔 What Is A Water Filter Pitcher? Before we discuss whether or not water filter pitchers are suitable for seniors and those with weakened immune systems, we need to know what they are and how they work.  A water filter pitcher is a pitcher jug that has a built-in filter. The pitcher filters batches of water, so when you pour a glass from the spout, your water is clean and free from common drinking water contaminants.  Some of the impurities reduced or removed by a water filter pitcher are:  - Chlorine - Lead - Fluoride - PFAS - Microplastics - Arsenic - Pesticides - Nitrate & nitrite - Other heavy metals Pitcher filers have an average upfront price range of $40-$80 and cost less than $100 per year to maintain.  🔎 Are Water Filter Pitchers A Good Solution For Seniors And People With Weakened Immune Systems?  Water filter pitchers are a great solution for seniors and immunocompromised people.  Both of these parties are at a greater risk of experiencing health effects as a result of drinking tap water that’s contaminated with chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. Using a water filter pitcher is an affordable way to reduce or remove these contaminants from at-home drinking water supplies.  Does that mean water filter pitchers are essential? No. Unless your doctor has given you strict instructions to only drink filtered or purified water, it’s up to you whether or not you decide to use a water filter pitcher - regardless of your age and your immune function.  Tap water is technically safe to drink because water utilities have to comply with legal standards set by the EPA, which means they reduce contaminants down to “safe” trace levels before water is distributed to our homes.  Whether or not you filter your water comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to use a water filter pitcher because they place a lot of importance on their health and don’t like the idea of drinking even legally “safe” levels of certain contaminants.  If you’re concerned about your tap water and considering using a water filter pitcher, it may be helpful to speak to your doctor for their advice.  ✅ Benefits Of Water Filter Pitchers For Seniors And People With Weakened Immune Systems Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits of using a water pitcher to filter your water if you’re over 60 or immunocompromised:  Removes Harmful Contaminants The obvious benefit of water filter pitchers is that they greatly reduce or remove a variety of harmful contaminants that could be particularly dangerous to older people or people with immune system problems.  Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of waterborne infections, and may also be more at risk of the immunological health effects of contaminants like arsenic, nitrate, and PFAS.  The same can be said for seniors. The older you get, the more important it is to make sure the things you’re putting into your body don’t contain toxins that could make you sick or exacerbate a health issue you already have.  Some of the best water filter pitchers can remove hundreds of contaminants from tap water, making it much cleaner, safer, and healthier to drink.  Retains Healthy Minerals Although water filter pitchers are capable of removing virtually all harmful contaminants from your drinking water, most of these filters retain healthy alkaline minerals, like calcium and magnesium.  Humans of all ages and health statuses need these minerals for normal body functions, but they’re especially important to older people, who are more prone to nutritional deficiencies, and people with decreased immunity, who particularly need to focus on getting plenty of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.  Some water filter pitchers even add small amounts of healthy minerals into water, increasing its alkalinity and healthy mineral content.   Easy To Assemble & Use Health benefits aside, water filter pitchers are also easy to assemble and use, so they’re ideal for older people who may have mobility restrictions that affect their ability to do any heavy-duty DIY.  To assemble a water filter pitcher, you simply click the filter cartridge into the filter slot, place the top reservoir into the pitcher, and put the lid on top. When you’re ready to start filtering, just fill the pitcher with water from your faucet.  Using a water filter pitcher isn’t overly complex or physically demanding, either - simply pour water from the spout into a glass. Most pitchers are made from lightweight plastic materials, but you can buy smaller pitchers or avoid filling the pitcher completely if you’re unable to lift heavy water jugs.  Plus, if getting out and about isn’t as easy as it used to be, a water filter pitcher gives you the convenience of filtered water from home. No need to make a trip to the shops to buy bottled water when you can filter your own tap water in your kitchen.  Encourages Hydration Staying hydrated is essential, especially for older people, since dehydration may lead to dizziness, fainting, and even hospitalization - with potentially serious outcomes for people who are already frail.  Keeping hydrated also helps support the immune system’s communication and biochemical pathways, so immunocompromised people can also benefit from drinking their eight glasses of water a day.  Filtering your tap water in a water pitcher should encourage you to stay hydrated by improving your water’s taste, making you more inclined to reach for your glass when you’re thirsty.  As we mentioned earlier, some water filter pitchers even increase water’s pH, improving its taste by adding healthy minerals.  Saves Money On Bottled Water Many older people or people with immune system problems buy bottled water because it’s often cleaner and purer than tap water.  However, bottled water is expensive, costing hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars per year.  Using a water filter pitcher is a much more affordable alternative. Not only can you stop spending money on bottled water to drink at home, but the typical annual cost of a water filter pitcher is less than $100, so you can stay safe and healthy for much less.  Plus, you’ll be able to reduce your plastic consumption massively because you’ll no longer be going through tens of single-use plastic bottles per week. ⛔️ Potential Setbacks Of Water Filter Pitchers For Seniors And People With Weakened Immune Systems Now we know the benefits of water filter pitchers for seniors and people with weakened immune systems, let’s take a look at their setbacks.  Don’t Purify Water The best water filter pitchers are capable of removing hundreds of contaminants - but they don’t purify your drinking water.  If you have a compromised or suppressed immune system, your doctor might have recommended that you drink distilled or reverse osmosis water, since this water is 100% pure - so it’s guaranteed to be free from all potentially harmful impurities.  Water filter pitchers don’t provide comprehensive enough treatment to remove all impurities, so your health may be at risk by drinking specific trace contaminants that aren’t filtered out.  Costlier Than Doing Nothing Buying a water filter pitcher might only be a small commitment - but it’s still a commitment.  You’ll have to spend the money upfront on the pitcher, then spend around $70-$100 per year on filter changes.  There’s a bit of extra effort that goes into owning and using a water filter pitcher, too. You’ll need to keep the pitcher clean and make sure to replace the filters on time. Failing to do so could cause bacteria to accumulate in the filter media - the very thing you’re trying to avoid if you’re in your senior years or have a compromised immune system.  Not everyone wants the extra commitment involved in owning a water filter pitcher, even for the reassurance of clean, better-tasting drinking water.  Related Content: - Expert Perspective: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Water Filter Pitchers - Water Filter Pitcher vs. Bottled Water (Making the Right Choice) 📑 Final Word Water filter pitchers are an ideal solution for seniors or people with weakened immune systems who want to be particularly careful about the quality of the water they consume.  There are different pitchers to suit different tastes and requirements. If your main goal is to remove as many contaminants as possible, including bacteria, cysts, and other microorganisms, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher. Keep in mind that not all water filter pitchers are equal, and not all are worth your money! Do your research, and spend your money on a high-quality, highly-reviewed pitcher from a reputable manufacturer.  Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Examining BPA-Free Materials in Water Filter Pitchers

One of the most important things to look for in a water filter pitcher is a BPA-free design.  Here, we’ve discussed everything you should know about BPA-free materials in water filter pitchers.  📌 Key Takeaways:  - BPA is a chemical with known health effects, which is still used widely in the manufacturing of some plastics today.  - Water filter pitchers have a plastic design. Most pitchers are made from Tritan plastic, which is usually BPA-free.  - You can check the manufacturer’s marketing information to see if their product has a BPA-free design. Or, opt for a glass water pitcher.  🔎 What Is BPA? BPA is an industrial chemical with several known health concerns. This popular additive has been used for around 40 years to make a variety of plastic products, and helps to protect foods and beverages from contamination and spoilage.  BPA is commonly found in water bottles, plastic food containers, and baby bottles. It’s also found in some water filter pitchers (more on that later).  It wasn’t until recently that numerous studies were conducted on the safety of BPA in consumer products, and we discovered that this chemical has dangerous health effects.  ⚠️ What’s The Risk Of BPA In Drinking Water?  Some of the risks of BPA in drinking water are:  Infertility Several studies have found that BPA may cause infertility in women and men. In one study, women with frequent miscarriages were found to have triple the amount of BPA in their blood compared to women with successful pregnancies. Studies have also found that men are more likely to have a lower sperm count and concentration if they’re exposed to high levels of PFA. Hormone Disruption Another known health effect of BPA is its hormone-disruptive properties due to its ability to mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors. As a result, ingesting BPA in your water may lead to altered energy levels, reproduction, growth, and thyroid function.  Heart Disease & Diabetes BPA ingestion has also been linked to an increased risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In one study, high levels of BPA in the blood were found to increase diabetes risk by 21-60% and heart disease risk by 8-63% compared to no or low levels of BPA in the blood.  Other Health Problems Some of the other health problems that are associated with exposure to BPA are:  - Increased obesity risk - Delayed fetal growth - Increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Worsened immune function - Abnormal thyroid hormone production We’re still learning about the potential health risks of BPA today. What’s for certain is that this chemical is dangerous and certainly shouldn’t be used in products that come into contact with food and drinking water.  📈 What Level Of BPA Is Safe In Water? BPA is known to be damaging to health even at low levels, so we think that no amount of BPA is safe in drinking water.  However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that humans shouldn’t experience adverse health effects if they’re exposed to less than 2.25 milligrams per pound (5 mg per kg) of bodyweight of this chemical.  The FDA still recognizes BPA as a safe additive in packaging for foods and liquids, even though it banned BPA from being used in numerous baby products, including formula cans and sippy cups.  Plus, there’s research that shows that BPA has damaging effects even at legally accepted “safe” levels.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t currently regulate BPA in drinking water, so when it comes to protecting ourselves from this chemical, it’s our responsibility alone.  ⚙️ What Are Water Filter Pitchers Made Of? Most water filter pitchers are made from plastic. Tritan is a popular material for water filter pitchers because it’s rigid and durable (meaning it can withstand a few knocks, bumps, and drops), and it’s usually BPA-free.   SAN (styrene acrylonitrile) and NAS (a styrene based plastic) are two other popular materials that make water filter pitcher housings. These plastics are also selected because they’re durable, transparent, resistant to staining, and BPA-free.  The plastic used to make water filter pitchers is hard and transparent, so you can see into the pitcher to check on the filtering process. Some plastics are tinted on the outside, depending on the manufacturer’s branding.  Some water filter pitchers are made from glass. These are a good choice if you want to avoid plastics, but keep in mind that the filters themselves are still usually made with a plastic casing.  There are several different plastics that may be used to make pitcher lids and filter housing or casing. Polypropylene plastic is a popular choice because it doesn’t contain BPA and it’s exceptionally tough, often referred to as “the steel of the plastics industry”.  🆓 Are All Water Filter Pitchers BPA-Free? No, not all water filter pitchers are BPA-free.  BPA is commonly found in a range of plastics, and some water pitcher manufacturers may use materials that contain BPA. Some manufacturers may simply be unable to tell you whether or not their pitcher and filter materials have a BPA-free design or not.  Don’t just assume that a water filter pitcher is BPA-free if the manufacturer doesn’t state this in the filter’s marketing materials. 📖 How To Know If A Water Filter Pitcher Uses BPA-Free Materials There are few ways to determine whether or not a water filter pitcher uses BPA-free materials.  Marketed As “BPA-Free” First, check the manufacturer’s marketing materials to see if the filter is listed as BPA-free.  Brands know that a BPA-free design is a selling point, so if a filter is BPA-free, this information should be readily available on the product page and in the user manual.  You can also check the brand’s FAQs or contact the brand directly if you want to confirm that a certain pitcher is BPA-free.  If the manufacturer doesn’t market their pitcher products as BPA-free, there’s a good chance that they either haven’t tested the materials for BPA, or they can’t guarantee that the materials aren’t BPA-free.  Tested By NSF For Material Safety An even better way to confirm that a filter pitcher is definitely BPA-free is if the pitcher materials have been tested by the NSF for material safety.  The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) is a leading authority in water filter standards and independently tests water treatment devices to its standards for performance and material safety for public health protection.  A water pitcher that has been tested by the NSF for material safety gives you the reassurance that the filter is made from safe, durable materials, as confirmed by a highly respected independent certification organization. Again, if a water filter pitcher uses NSF-tested materials, the manufacturer should make this clear in the product description. But you can contact the manufacturer if you want confirmation or you have additional questions.  Non-Plastic Design Another easy way to know that at least the majority of the materials used in a water filter pitcher are BPA-free is to buy a glass water pitcher.  Glass pitchers have a lot going for them. They have a more attractive, expensive design that looks great in a modern kitchen, as well as the obvious benefit of being BPA-free since they don’t use plastic in their pitcher design.  Note that even if the pitcher jug itself is made from glass, the filter cartridge could have a plastic design, so you should still check that any plastics used in the filter housing are BPA-free.  🤔 Is A Water Filter Pitcher Safe If It’s BPA-Free? A water filter pitcher is safe from BPA if it truly is BPA-free. However, keep in mind that BPA isn’t the only chemical that’s found in some plastics.  BPS and BPF are two other common chemicals that are found in plastic products today.  The problem is that many manufacturers that use plastics are happily (and truthfully) stating that their products are BPA-free because they’re using other chemicals as substitutes - and these chemicals have their own possible health effects. So, you might be lured into a false sense of security by reading that a water filter pitcher is BPA-free, when the pitcher could have been made with lesser-known chemicals that have similar abilities to contaminate your water.  The best way to determine the safety of a water filter pitcher is to contact the manufacturer and ask them exactly which chemicals are found in the plastics used to make their pitchers. Specifically mention BPS and BPF, and ask whether these chemicals or any other chemicals have been used to make the pitcher plastic.  Of course, there’s no guarantee that the manufacturer will be able to provide evidence of a safe, chemical-free pitcher design, but if they can, you know you’ve found a reliable brand to buy from.   ✅ Do Water Filter Pitchers Remove BPA? So, now you know about water filter pitchers in regards to BPA-free materials - but do any water pitchers remove BPA? The answer is yes, most water filter pitchers should, at the very least, reduce BPA. Activated carbon filters, which reduce BPA, are common filters in water filtration pitchers.  Other filters that can reduce BPA are nanofilters, which are found in a couple of more advanced water pitchers that are intended for filtering well water.  Filter brands can even get their filter pitchers certified to NSF 401 for BPA removal, guaranteeing the filter’s performance in this respect.  Not all manufacturers test their pitchers for BPA removal, so if you want a guaranteed filter that can remove BPA, do your research.  We recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher, which removes up to 99.9% of bisphenol A.  🩺 How Else To Reduce Your Exposure To BPA You’re doing the right thing if you’re researching water filter pitcher materials in advance to make sure they’re not BPA-free.  But the unfortunate reality is that BPA is used widely, and we’re likely to be exposed to the chemical in other areas of daily life.  Here are some of the other ways that you can reduce your exposure to BPA:  - Reduce your intake of canned foods - If you can’t eliminate canned food, rinse what you can before you cook with it - Use BPA-free baby bottles, formula cups, and other plastic bottles and containers - Choose glass or stainless steel containers for storing food - Especially don’t microwave food in plastic containers, since this will cause the plastics to break down - Avoid using automatic coffee makers, which often have BPA - Check recycling codes, since plastics that are marked with 3, 6, or 7 recycling codes may have BPA in them - Don’t accept paper receipts, which are sometimes lined with BPA - Avoid cling film and use safer materials for food wrapping - Choose plastic-free sanitary products It’s not always obvious to tell when something is made with BPA or not. For that reason, we recommend limiting your exposure to all plastics when possible, or contacting the manufacturer/checking that the product is labelled “non-toxic” or “BPA-free” before you buy it.  More Readings: - Unveiling the Efficiency of Water Filter Pitchers (Expert Perspectives) - What Contaminants Are Eliminated by Water Filter Pitchers? - Discover the Top 8 BPA-Free Bottled Water Brands in 🔚 Final Word BPA is a dangerous chemical, and filtering your water with a pitcher that possibly uses a BPA-containing plastic would be counterintuitive.  Of course, BPA isn’t the only danger in the materials used to make water filter pitchers. Make sure to do your research and find a pitcher that’s free from BPA, BPS, and BPF. Contact the manufacturer for more information if you’re unsure.  Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

PFAS In Sparkling Water (What You Need To Know)

PFAS are a major problem across the world, and these "forever chemicals" break down very slowly over time - so once they enter the environment, they don't leave it for decades. Recent studies have highlighted the seriousness of PFAS contamination of our water supplies, including the bottled sparkling water products sold by some of the big-name brands. Here, we've shared what you need to know about PFAS in sparkling water, including what it is, its potential health effects, how it contaminants sparkling water products, and how you can avoid PFAS without having to ditch sparkling water for good. 📌 Key Takeaways: - PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemical contaminants that are favored for their water and stain resistance, chemical and thermal stability, and surfactant nature. - PFAS are classed as "emerging contaminants" by the EPA, which hasn't (at the time of writing) produced a legal limit for these chemicals. The FDA, which regulates bottled water products, also has no legal regulation for PFAS. - There are numerous potential human health risks of ingesting PFAS in bottled sparkling water, including certain cancers, hormonal disruption, and developmental problems in children. 🔎 Research Into PFAS In Sparkling Water We know already of a few contaminants that have been discovered in bottled sparkling water products, including microplastics, BPA, and BPS. But a Consumer Reports Study has added another chemical to the list of concerning contaminants to be aware of: PFAS. The 2020 study highlighted research into the impurities in more than 40 bottled water brands, and found that sparkling water is likely to contain a higher concentration of PFAS chemicals than still water. Of the 35 non-carbonated water products tested, only 2 of the products contained PFAS exceeding 1 PPT (parts per trillion). In comparison, many of the 12 carbonated water products tested contained "measurable amounts" of PFAS. Scientists theorized a few reasons for this, including the carbonation process used, the difference in the quality of the source water, and the treatment method used to filter the water (if applicable). Some of the big-name water brands were found to manufacture sparkling water products with elevated PFAS levels, including: - Bubly - La Croix - Canada Dry - Topo Chico (made by Coca-Cola_ - Nestlé (which manufacturers Perrier and Poland Spring) - Polar The issue is that, with no legal limits in place for PFAS in bottled water products, sparkling water brands are not legally required to reduce their PFAS levels - so they're free to sell their products with as much or as little of these chemicals without the risk of legal trouble. Keep reading to learn more about PFAS in sparkling water, including how they get there and how you can reduce your exposure to these chemicals. 🤔 What Are PFAS? PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which is a name given to a group of thousands of chemical compounds that are used, or have been used, for a variety of manufacturing processes around the world. Some PFAS chemicals, like PFOA and PFOS, have now been largely phased out of use due to their known human health effects. Others are still used widely today in consumer products including: - Nonstick cookware - Stain-resistant carpets, furnishings, and upholstery - Greaseproof food packaging, papers, bags, and containers - Raincoats and other waterproof clothing - Firefighting foam PFAS are also found in foods grown in PFAS-contaminated soils, and in contaminated drinking water sources that haven't been adequately treated to remove these chemicals. Regardless of whether or not a PFAS chemical is still in use, the reality is that PFAS are classed as "forever chemicals" because they have very strong bonds that take decades to break down. So, even PFOA and PFOS, the two man-made chemicals that are no longer in use, are still present in many peoples' blood today. 📉 Is PFAS In Carbonated Water Regulated? Currently, carbonated water brands aren't legally required to monitor or reduce PFAS in their products because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for regulating bottled water products, hasn't yet produced a legal limit for this group of chemicals. That means your favorite sparkling water brand can sell a product with elevated PFAS levels without having to worry about the legal ramifications of doing so - despite the known health risks of PFAS exposure. In fact, the FDA has continually delayed setting legal limits for PFAS, and issued yet another delay in 2020 in response to a letter written by the International Bottled Water Association. This delay was justified in part by the FDA's findings from (according to Consumer Reports) outdated testing methods. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, which regulates public tap water supplies, also hasn't issued an official legal regulation for PFAS. However, it's in the process of issuing a proposed national drinking water standard for this group of chemicals, which is a start. Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) don't have a legal influence on the matter of contaminant regulation, but still make their voices known when it comes to certain harmful contaminants with known health effects. The EWG has proposed a Health Advisory of 1 PPT (part per trillion) for PFAS in drinking water, regardless of the water source and whether it's regulated by the FDA or the EPA. 🚰 How Do PFAS Get Into Sparkling Water? As discussed earlier in this guide, even the scientists who discovered that carbonated water contained more PFAS on average than non-carbonated water didn't pinpoint the exact reason for this. So, here, we'll be discussing how PFAS chemicals get into bottled water in general - or any drinking water, for that matter. The problem starts at the source. Our natural bodies of water are under constant threat of pollution from toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other dangerous impurities. These pollutants may enter a water supply due to: - Runoff from contaminated sources - Polluted rainfall - Airborne factory emissions - Waste disposal from manufacturing facilities - Contamination from treated wastewater Once it's in a natural water supply, a contaminant is unlikely to leave, right up until this water is consumed by the customer in a bottled water product. Water utilities use treatment processes to reduce certain regulated contaminants, but since PFAS isn't regulated, there's no legal incentive for this contaminant to be reduced in drinking water supplies, despite its health risk. Plus, many sparkling water brands use natural spring water sources, which are technically "naturally filtered" and should contain few contaminants as a result. But this study of PFAS in bottled water found that bottled spring water is more likely to contain PFAS chemicals than purified bottled tap water products. Essentially, you're always at risk of drinking PFAS in bottled waters, but your risk is lower if you choose a sparkling water product that has been purified before being carbonated and bottled. 🩺 Potential Health Effects Of PFAS In Sparkling Water There are several potential health problems that may be caused by drinking elevated levels of PFAS in sparkling water. Research into the health effects of PFAS in drinking water has found that ingesting these minerals could cause the following: - Increased risk of various cancers - Hormone disruption - High cholesterol - Thyroid disease - Changes in liver enzymes - Developmental problems in children - Problems getting pregnant in women - Low infant birth weights These health effects are largely linked to the consumption of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two PFAS chemicals that have been the most widely researched. PFOA and PFOS certainly aren't the only PFAS to watch out for, so even though the use of these chemicals has now been largely phased, out we're still at risk of exposure to a variety of other toxic chemicals in our waters. Plus, since PFAS is known as the "forever chemical", high levels of PFAS that are no longer used today are still present in the environment, so there's a continued risk of natural water contamination. 👨‍⚕️ How To Reduce Your PFAS Exposure In Sparkling Water Here are some of our top recommended methods for reducing your chances of PFAS consumption in sparkling water: Check The Label & Manufacturer Website Don't buy a bottled sparkling water product until you've read the label. The manufacturer might not disclose exactly what its water contains, but it's worth looking here first before taking further steps to learn about the product. You might have to peel back the label to find more information about the water source and quality underneath. If this information isn't on the label itself, check the manufacturer's website. There might be test results available for you to view online, or the manufacturer might have answered a question about PFAS in their FAQs. Don't be surprised if this information isn't readily available. Sparkling water brands only want you to know about the good features of their products, after all. Contact The Manufacturer Can't find any information on the bottle label or online? Contact the manufacturer and request to see a test report for the levels of PFAS in their water. All bottled water manufacturers must test their products according to FDA regulations, and if the manufacturer has nothing to hide, they should be happy to share their testing data with their customers. It's worth requesting test results if your favorite sparkling waters are sourced from natural springs, and aren't purified before being bottled. Choose Bottled RO or Distilled Water Sparkling water that has been purified with distillation or reverse osmosis has a much lower chance of containing PFAS because these purification methods reduce virtually all dissolved solids in water. So, if you need to grab a bottle of water while you're out and about, opt for a sparkling water that has been purified, rather than carbonated spring water. You could also swap your sparkling water for a still water alternative, since scientists theorize that the carbonation process might contribute to why sparkling water products have been found to contain higher PFAS levels. However, this might not be an appealing option if you prefer the taste of sparkling water. Filter and Carbonate Your Water At Home There's no reason to buy bottled carbonated water at all in our modern world. If you want to know exactly what your sparkling water contains, we recommend buying a couple of products: - A water filtration system - A water carbonator The water filtration system will remove harmful contaminants (including PFAS) from your tap water, while a water carbonator will add some fizz to your water and give it a crisp, pleasant taste. The best types of water filters for reducing PFAS are: - Activated carbon filters - Reverse osmosis systems - Ion exchange systems This option will set you back a few hundred dollars upfront, but will fast become an affordable and convenient way to access filtered sparkling water on tap. Related Content: - Are Water Softeners Effective for Removing PFAS? - Know What You're Buying: The Full List of Products With PFAS Chemicals to Avoid 📑 Final Word Not all sparkling waters contain forever chemicals, and not all carry the risk of adverse health effects. However, due to the FDA's reluctance to produce stringent standards for PFAS any time soon, and worrying information about PFAS in sparkling water in the Consumer Reports study discussed earlier, you have a reason to be wary. The best you can do is to limit your exposure to PFAS in your bottled drinking water and ask questions when the manufacturer hasn't shown transparency. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

PFAS In Bottled Water: Everything You Should Know in [year]

Up until recently, our knowledge of PFAS, or "forever chemicals", and their widespread contamination in the environment was somewhat limited. But in recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the dangers of PFAS in our surroundings, including in household items, personal care products, foods, and drinking water. In this guide, we've shared everything you need to know about PFAS in bottled water, including how it gets there, its potential health effects, and how you can limit your PFAS exposure from bottled water. 📌 Key Takeaways: - PFAS are a group of contaminants that have been used widely in manufacturing processes for decades. - The EPA currently classes PFAS as "emerging contaminants", and there is no legal limit for PFAS in public drinking water or bottled water products. - PFAS may have a range of effects on the human body, including cancer, developmental delays, and other serious health conditions. 🔎 The Discovery Of PFAS In Bottled Water We've all heard rumors and read reports to suggest that certain bottled water products contain potentially dangerous substances, from BPA to microplastics. But the discussion around PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in bottled water has been fairly hushed - until recently. A study of PFAS in bottled water, led by Johns Hopkins University researchers and published in the journal Water Research, made big news in 2021 and was reported by various outlets, including Consumer Reports. The study unearthed concerning findings on the presence of PFAS chemicals in bottled water products, noting that 39 out of more than 100 bottled waters contained PFAS, and some bottled waters contained these toxic chemicals at levels that experts deemed "concerning". While the bottled water companies weren't named and shamed in the study, researchers did give an indication of the types of water that were more likely to contain PFAS chemicals. Bottled spring water contained more PFAS overall than bottled waters that had been treated with reverse osmosis or distillation. So, the risk of drinking PFAS in bottled water is real. What are the potential health effects of these chemicals, and how can you avoid them in your bottled water? Read on to find out. 🤔 What Are PFAS? PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which is a group of more than 5,000 chemical compounds that have been widely used in manufacturing processes and have been linked to health effects including cancer and developmental delays. They're often referred to as "forever chemicals" because their bonds are very strong, meaning that they don't break down easily and linger in the environment for decades - sometimes even centuries. This factor is what makes PFAS particularly dangerous to use in manufacturing, and yet they're still widely used today. Some of the current uses of PFAS are: - In non-stick cookware - To make waterproof textiles - In grease-resistant food packaging - For carpets, furnishings, and upholstery with anti-stain properties - In firefighting foam 👨‍🔧 Learn more in this guide to the consumer products that contain PFAS substances. 📉 Is PFAS In Bottled Water Regulated? Currently, there is no legal regulation for PFAS in bottled water despite its known threat to public health. That means bottled water companies don't have to monitor the PFAS levels in their products or reduce the PFAS present - even if high levels of potentially toxic PFAS chemicals are detected. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating bottled water products. As of yet, according to Consumer Reports, the FDA hasn't set limits on PFAS in bottled water, and delayed setting these limits once again in 2020 due to data obtained from limited and outdated testing methods. This came after the International Bottled Water Association wrote a letter in 2019 that urged the FDA to set limits for PFAS. Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) believe that PFAS levels should be strictly monitored and managed in all water sources. The EWG has proposed a Health Advisory of 1 PPT (part per trillion) for the sum of all PFAS in water, which is much higher than the EPA's Health Advisory Level (see note below). Note: The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, doesn't regulate bottled water - it only regulates public tap water supplies. The EPA Health Advisory Level for PFAS in water is 70 PPT, but the EPA also doesn't legally regulate these chemicals as of yet. 🚰 How Do PFAS Get Into Bottled Water? PFAS chemicals get into bottled water when they're given a route to enter the natural water supply that's used for the bottled water product - usually through discharges from factories and other facilities that use PFAS in their processes. There are two common bottled water supplies: public tap water and "naturally filtered" water from underground springs. PFAS are widespread in the surface water supplies that are used for public tap water, and due to the lack of regulation for these contaminants, they're not usually removed by water treatment plants. An EWG report estimated that 110 million people could have at least 2.5 PPT of PFAS chemicals in their water. So, if you drink bottled tap water that hasn't been purified with a process like reverse osmosis, it likely contains PFAS. You might assume that, in comparison, the "naturally filtered" bottled spring water would contain significantly less PFAS due to being sourced from underground. However, the Water Research report we mentioned earlier highlighted that bottled spring water actually contained more PFAS than purified bottled public drinking water. This tells us that, worryingly, PFAS contamination isn't limited to surface water sources. 🩺 Potential Health Effects Of PFAS In Bottled Water Consuming PFAS contaminated drinking water, whether that's bottled water or public drinking water supplies, is thought to have a range of human health effects, including: - High cholesterol - Hormone disruption - Developmental problems in children - Increased risk of thyroid disease - Changes in liver enzymes - Reduced chances of pregnancy in women - Low infant birth weights - Increased risk of various cancers Most of these health effects have been detected in studies of animals and humans exposed to two commonly-used PFAS chemicals: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals still show up in people's blood, even though they're no longer used or produced in the US. The good news is that they're on the decline, according to a CDC report, but there are thousands of other PFAS that we're still being exposed to today. 👨‍⚕️ How To Avoid Drinking PFAS In Bottled Water Here are some of the best ways to avoid drinking PFAS in bottled water. Read The Label Carefully There's no guarantee that a bottled water company will disclose if their product contains PFAS on the label, but it's worth checking anyway. If you can't find specific water quality information on the label, try checking the manufacturer's website. There might be a dedicated page that discusses the ingredients and impurities in the water, or the manufacturer might have answered a question about PFAS contamination in an FAQ page. Contact The Manufacturer If you don't know whether you can believe the information on the label or you just want to learn more about the impurities in your favorite bottled water, contact the manufacturer and ask for a detailed test report for their source water. This is especially worth doing if your preferred water product isn't purified or filtered before being bottled. Choose Bottled RO or Distilled Water We mentioned earlier that the 2021 study into PFAS in bottled water noted that RO water and distilled water products - i.e. purified bottled water - were less likely to contain PFAS. So, if you're in a rush and just need to grab a bottle of water on the go, opt for a bottle of water that has been purified by one of these processes, rather than naturally-filtered spring water. Filter Your Water At Home Or, you could choose to ditch bottled water altogether and use a capable water filtration system to remove PFAS (and other contaminants) from your drinking water at home. Good water filters for removing PFAS are: - Activated carbon filters - Reverse osmosis systems - Ion exchange systems You can install a filter along your water line, meaning that the water leaving your faucets is filtered and contains much lower concentrations of PFAS chemicals. Related Posts: - Can Distilled Water Get Rid of PFAS, PFOA, PFOS Contaminants? - Reverse Osmosis Water Filters: Can They Remove PFAS? - Find Your Perfect Bottled Water in : Our List of the Best Brands 📑 Final Word If only we had a scanner that detected PFAS substances in bottled water, so we could know for certain whether the water was safe before buying it. However, since technology hasn't come that far yet, you can only do what you can to limit your exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals until the EPA and FDA start taking this group of contaminants seriously. 👨‍🔧 If in doubt, buy RO-treated water, or cut out bottled water entirely and filter your own water at home with one of the best PFAS water filters. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Do Berkey Filters Remove PFAS? Here's What You Need to Know

Berkey filters remove hundreds of drinking water contaminants. But does this list extend to one of the most concerning unregulated contaminants that exists today: PFAS? In this guide, we've answered the question, "Do Berkey water filters remove PFAS chemicals?" 📌 Key Takeaways: - Yes, according to independent testing, Berkey water filters remove up to 99.9% of various types of PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS. - The Black Berkey filter elements are activated carbon filters and remove PFAS through the process of adsorption. - However, Berkey filters aren't officially certified by the NSF for PFAS removal. 🤔 How Do PFAS Get Into Water? PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS, were commonly used in manufacturing chemicals in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and more. They're also still used today in firefighting foams. Many companies no longer use PFAS due to concerning research into their health effects, but PFAS are known as 'forever chemicals' or 'persistent industrial chemicals' because they linger in the environment for decades after they're released. This is the main reason why PFOS and PFOA continue to contaminate our water sources today. Wondering whether your water contains PFAS? The only way to know for sure is to conduct a water test. In the meantime, check out this interactive PFAS map produced by the Environmental Working Group. 🧪 Do Berkey Filters Remove PFAS? Test Results According to independent testing conducted on behalf of Berkey, the Black Berkey elements are capable of removing up to 99.9% of PFAS, including PFOS and PFOA. That means you should be protected against PFAS chemicals if you filter all your water in a countertop Berkey unit - even if your water contains large quantities of these contaminants. The PFAS chemicals that Berkey elements have been tested to remove are: - Perfluorobutane Sulfonate (PFBS) - Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) - Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) - Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) - Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) - Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) - Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (PFSxS) - Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - Fluorotelomer alcohol 8:2 (PTOH) You'll need to clean and replace your Berkey filters as advised by Berkey to make sure they provide continued PFAS removal throughout the lifespan of your filtration system. 🔎 Which Berkey Filters Remove PFAS? There are two Berkey filters available for the Big Berkey countertop filter: - The Black Berkey Filter - The Fluoride Reduction Filter The Black Berkey filter is the most popular Berkey filter and is an essential component of the countertop filtration system. According to Berkey's test results, the filter removes up to 98.9% of PFAS. The Berkey Fluoride filter is designed specifically for fluoride removal and doesn't remove PFAS. 📖 How do Berkey Filters Remove PFAS? So, how are Berkey filters designed, and how does this design make them capable of reducing PFAS? Berkey hasn't shared a lot about its filter design online, probably because it doesn't want its competitors to copy its processes. What we do know is that the Black Berkey filters combine a 5-blend media with a carbon composite made from coconut shells. Coconut shell carbon is a popular type of activated carbon filter media and is recommended by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as the best suited treatment to reduce PFAS chemicals. Carbon filtration uses a physical and chemical process called adsorption, which grabs onto contaminants and pulls them into the filter's porous surface. It helps that Berkey produces filtered water with gravity filtration. The longer the contact time between water and the filter media, the greater the contaminant removal. However, even carbon filters can't remove all types of PFAS from water. There are tens of PFAS chemicals, and shorter-chain PFAS don't adsorb as well. 🧐 Are Berkey Filters Certified To Remove PFAS? No, Berkey filters aren't officially certified to remove PFAS. The NSF/ANSI certification for filters that can remove PFAS is Standard P473. Filters must undergo extensive testing to prove their contaminant removal capabilities, and the NSF only awards certifications to filters that meet NSF standards for structure, performance, and more. Berkey distributors claim the manufacturer hasn't applied for NSF certifications because the certification process is "very cost prohibitive" for what is being tested. The manufacturer also says that its products remove more contaminants than are tested for by the NSF. Still, we think many customers would find an official NSF certification more reassuring than third-party testing alone. 🧫 What Other Contaminants Do Berkey Filters Remove? Aside from PFAS, what else do Black Berkey purification elements remove? A Berkey countertop filter system removes 200+ contaminants. These include: - Volatile organic compounds - Chlorine - Heavy metals like lead and copper - Pharmaceuticals - Disinfection byproducts - Chromium-6 - Some microorganisms - Fluoride (with fluoride filters) - Arsenic (with fluoride filters) Berkey has shared test results to support its contaminant removal claims, but has obtained no NFS certifications for its filter performance. 🔎 Which Types of Filters Are Best for PFAS Reduction? So, we know that Berkey water filtration systems are capable of removing PFOA and PFOS. But what other water filters can remove PFAS? You can use any quality granular activated carbon (GAC) filter to reduce forever chemicals, including other countertop filters, water filter pitchers, under-sink systems, and carbon-based whole home filters. Reverse osmosis filters are our other top recommended method of reducing PFAS. A reverse osmosis system reduces up to 99.9% of all total dissolved solids, including PFOS and PFOA. Reverse osmosis systems are most commonly used for point of use filtration. Continue Reading: - Expert Recommended Water Filters for PFAs Removal - Can RO Systems Remove PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS from Drinking Water - In-Depth Big Berkey Water Filter Review: Is It Worth Investing In ❔ Do Berkey Water Filters Remove PFAS? FAQ Does a Berkey filter out PFAS? Yes, according to independent testing, a Berkey water filter is capable of filtering out almost all PFAS (up to 99.9%) from drinking water. If you want to be 100% certain of your Berkey filter's PFAS removal abilities, conduct a water test before and after filtering your water and compare the results. What chemicals does Berkey filter remove? Some of the chemical contaminants that Berkey filters can remove include PFAS (such as PFOS and PFOA), disinfection byproducts, and some pesticides and herbicides. Why are PFAS dangerous in water? PFAS have a number of known serious health risks in drinking water, including reproductive effects, increased risk of some cancers, immune effects, developmental delays, hormonal interference, and increased cholesterol levels. If your water is contaminated with PFAS, it may also indicate that there are other contaminants present that could have their own effects on the human body. Read the full article

[waterfiltergurus]

Does Distilling Water Remove PFAs?

Distilled water is virtually impurity-free - but distillation doesn't remove everything. Can you remove PFAS by distilling water? We've answered the question in this guide. 📌 Key Takeaways: - Distillation is a highly effective method of removing PFAS from water. - On average, distilled water is free from around 99% PFAS. - PFAS have a higher boiling point than water, which means they're left behind in the distillation chamber when water evaporates. ⚗️ Does A Water Distiller Remove PFAS? 👨‍🔬 Yes, a water distiller removes PFAS. The distillation process is one of the most effective water to remove this contaminant - the average distiller unit reduces more than 99% of PFAS. You can use a water distiller to treat drinking water containing PFAS. 🤔 How Does A Water Distiller Work To Remove PFAS? A water distiller works by boiling water until it evaporates, then sending the water vapor into a cooling corridor containing condensing coils. The vapor condenses back into water droplets, which are collected in a clean container. The boiling process itself doesn't remove PFAS or other contaminants. However, most impurities - including PFAS - have a higher boiling point than water. That means that they're unable to vaporize when water does, so they're left behind in the boiling chamber, while water vapor is carried to a separate container, where it condenses. 🧫 Other Contaminants Removed By Water Distillation As well as PFAS, a water distiller removes the following impurities: - Hardness minerals like magnesium and calcium - Lead, mercury, copper, iron, and other heavy metals - Chlorine, chloramine, herbicides, pesticides, and other dissolved chemicals - Radioactive elements like uranium and radium - Microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts - Poor tastes and odors - Nitrate, fluoride, benzene, asbestos, arsenic, and more 🔎 Which Contaminants CAN’T Water Distillers Remove? While water distillation units remove most contaminants, there are a handful of contaminants that may be able to evaporate and condense with water particles: - Some pesticides and solvents - Certain volatile organic compounds - A few other chemicals Your countertop water distiller might come with a granular activated carbon post-filter that targets these contaminants in distilled water. ❇️ Benefits of Water Distillers For PFAS Removal Removes Virtually All PFAS The most obvious benefit of distillation for PFAS removal is its effectiveness. A water distiller offers one of the most effective ways to remove PFAS. While most water filters remove around 80% -90% PFAS, distillation removes more than 99% of this impurity - even down to the parts per trillion level. If you want to enjoy drinking water that's as free as possible from forever chemicals, a distiller is a worthy water treatment system. Budget-Friendly Solution The average countertop water distiller costs between $150 and $450 - that's about half the price of a whole home water filter system that can remove PFAS. The major advantage of buying a water distillation unit is that it has virtually no maintenance costs. You can choose whether or not you want to buy the replacement carbon filters, which come in multipacks for a great price. You can buy 20 filters upfront for less than $20. Complete Water Purification Removing PFAS might be your main goal with a water distiller, but you'll get so much more than this. A water distiller doesn't only target PFOA and PFOS contamination - it also removes other contaminants that have adverse health effects, like lead, chlorine, microorganisms, and other dissolved solids. Easy To Install & Maintain Installing a water distiller is easy and takes just a matter of minutes. The majority of water filters need to be connected to a cold water line, but water distillers don't need to be plumbed in - they just need a nearby power outlet. Maintaining a distiller is easy, too. You just clean the boiling chamber to get rid of the accumulated contaminants and replace the carbon filter (if you choose to use it). Portable Purification An at-home distiller easily fits on a kitchen countertop. The unit can be used anywhere with an available power outlet, so you don't have to keep it in the same place all the time. If you like the idea of being able to remove PFAS anywhere you might be, whether that's at home, at work, or on vacation, a water distiller should suit you ideally. ⛔️ Setbacks of Water Distillers For PFAS Removal Unpleasant-Tasting Water Water distillers remove all the bad stuff and all the good stuff from water. The result is that distilled drinking water tastes flat, due to the fact that it no longer contains traces of healthy alkaline minerals and dissolved gases. You can use mineral drops to remineralize the water, but this costs extra and requires effort on your part. Lengthy Process The process of boiling water until it evaporates, then gradually condensing it into steam, is very time-consuming. The average time to distill a 1-gallon batch of water is 4-6 hours. If you want instant results, you won't get them with a water distiller. Restricted Distilling Capacity The type of water distiller you can buy for residential use can usually only distill 1 gallon of water at a time. That means you can't switch your distiller on before you head off to work in the knowledge that it'll distill gallons and gallons of water by the time you return home. You'll always have to add more water to the boiling chamber - usually once every 5 hours. Limited Contaminant Removal Water distillers might be one of the best forms of water treatment, but they're not 100% perfect. Certain contaminants, like volatile organic compounds, aren't removed by distillation units. 📑 Alternatives to Water Distillation Aside from distillation, there are a few other methods that also remove or reduce PFAS in a drinking water supply: - Reverse osmosis systems, found in under-sink and countertop units, which reduce more than 90% of PFAS contaminants with membrane separation. - Activated carbon water filters, found in whole home filters, under-sink systems, refrigerator filters, and water filter pitchers, which reduce around 73% of PFAS on average. 🔎 How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water? PFAS chemicals are, for the most part, no longer used in manufacturing processes in the US - but the chemicals are known to linger in the environment - that's why they have the nickname “forever chemicals”. They're also still imported into the country. PFAS get into water by rainwater runoff or soil seepage. The chemicals contaminate the water sources used to supply public drinking water. Large-scale water treatment at local facilities isn't designed to remove PFAS. Related content: - Comparing Reverse Osmosis and Distilled Water: Pros and Cons - DIY distilled water: a guide to purifying your own water - How safe is distilled water for drinking? ❔ FAQ What are the dangers of drinking water containing PFAS? The EPA has set a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (PPT) for PFAS in public drinking water supplies to protect against the potential health effects of this contaminant in the human body. We also know that the EPA is working to produce a federal standard for the chemicals according to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Some of the dangers of drinking water containing PFAS include increased cholesterol levels, decreased vaccine response in children, high blood pressure in pregnant women, and changes in liver enzymes. Does boiling water remove PFAS? No, boiling tap water doesn't remove PFAS. PFAS have high boiling points, so when you boil water, it just causes some of the water to evaporate, which means you have the same amount of PFAS in a smaller volume of water. The only way to remove PFAS is to separate the evaporated water particles after boiling. Does distilling water purify it? Yes, distilled water is about as purified as is possible with at-home water treatment. A water distiller removes chemicals, heavy metals, microorganisms, minerals, salts, and more. Read the full article