5 Safest Non-Toxic Water Filter Pitchers | PFAS Removal

What are PFAS, and why should they concern you?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

These chemicals are often used in items like non-stick pans, food packaging, and cosmetics for their water and stain-resistant properties.

PFAS In Our Drinking Water

Here’s the scary part: PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment. So when they are improperly disposed of they can seep into our drinking water sources.

Once PFAS are in the water supply, traditional treatment methods typically cannot effectively remove them, which means they can end up in our tap water. As we ingest PFAS over the long term, they can start to accumulate in our bodies and wreak havoc on our health.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS

Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

Kidney cancer: A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that people with higher levels of PFAS in their blood had a greater risk of developing kidney cancer.

Testicular cancer: Another study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, linked PFAS exposure to an increased risk of testicular cancer, particularly in younger men.

Bladder cancer: Research has also suggested a potential link between PFAS and bladder cancer, although more studies are needed to confirm this association.

Hormonal Disruption

Thyroid problems: PFAS have been shown to disrupt thyroid function, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.

Reproductive issues: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, and even lower birth weights.

Immune System Dysfunction

Reduced vaccine effectiveness: PFAS exposure may make vaccines less effective, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.

Increased risk of infections: A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to infections, from the common cold to more serious illnesses like pneumonia.

Developmental Issues in Children

Developmental delays: Children exposed to PFAS in the womb or during early childhood may experience delays in reaching milestones like walking and talking. PFAS exposure has also been associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning difficulties in children.

The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are serious and far-reaching. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of these chemicals, the evidence we have so far suggests that taking steps to reduce our exposure is crucial. 

And that’s where non-toxic water pitcher filters come in. By removing PFAS from our drinking water, these filters can help protect our health and the health of our families.

How do water pitcher filters remove PFAS from drinking water?

There are two main types of filtration techniques used in water pitcher filters for PFAS removal: activated carbon filtration and ion exchange resins. 

Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon is a highly porous material that’s incredibly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including PFAS.

The porous structure of activated carbon allows it to trap PFAS molecules through a process called adsorption. As water passes through the filter, PFAS molecules are attracted to the surface of the carbon and stick to it, like a magnet.

Ion Exchange Resins

Ion exchange resins are another powerful tool in the fight against PFAS contamination. These resins are made up of tiny beads that are covered in charged particles, which attract and trap PFAS molecules as water passes through the filter. 

Ion exchange resins are covered in either positively or negatively charged particles. These charged particles attract and trap PFAS molecules, which have the opposite charge.

Some pitchers may also use additional filter options, like reverse osmosis (RO) or ceramic filters, to enhance their PFAS removal capabilities. By combining these advanced filtration technologies, non-toxic water pitcher filters provide a powerful defense against PFAS contamination in your drinking water. 

What factors affect water pitcher filter performance?

Filter Media and Technology

The type of filtration media used in your pitcher plays a big role in what contaminants it can remove.

Activated carbon is a common choice that’s effective at reducing chlorine taste and odor, sediment, and some organic compounds. 

Ion exchange resins are another option that can tackle heavy metals like lead. But if you’re specifically looking to remove PFAS compounds, you’ll want to opt for more advanced media like reverse osmosis membranes or specialty adsorbents.

Water Chemistry

The specific makeup of your water can also affect your filter’s performance.

Higher concentrations of contaminants can exhaust your filter’s capacity more quickly, while the pH, hardness, and other properties of your water can impact your filter’s effectiveness.

PFAS Compound Types and Concentrations

When it comes to PFAS, most basic pitcher filters just aren’t up to the task of removing concerning levels of compounds like PFOA and PFOS.

If you’ve got higher PFAS concentrations in your water, you’ll definitely want to invest in a pitcher with more advanced specialty media.

Filter Capacity and Usage

It’s important to keep in mind that your filter has a finite capacity that decreases with use. If you’re using more water or have higher contaminant levels, you’ll need to replace your filter more frequently. 

And whatever you do, don’t push your filter past its rated capacity. That’s a surefire way to end up with less than stellar contaminant reduction.

Proper Filter Maintenance

To keep your non-toxic water filter pitchers performing at its best, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter changes, flushing, and any other maintenance.

Using an expired filter is a big no-no if you want to effectively reduce contaminants in your water. 

What standards should non-toxic water filter pitchers meet?

Certifications and Testing Protocols

Keep an eye out for NSF/ANSI certifications 53 and P473 for PFAS removal. These certifications are like the gold star stickers of the water filter world.

They mean that the filter has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets strict standards for reducing specific PFAS compounds to safe levels over its rated lifetime. 

The WQA Gold Seal certification is another one to look for, as it indicates that the filter has been thoroughly tested.

You’ll also want to look for third-party testing and verification by accredited labs like NSF and WQA. Third-party testing ensures that the manufacturer’s claims are accurate and that the testing follows established protocols for consistent results.

Filter Capacity and Lifespan

Nobody wants to be constantly replacing their water filter. That’s just annoying.

Opt for a filter with a longer lifespan, ideally with a rated capacity of at least 100 gallons. Some top models can even filter over 1,000 gallons before needing to be replaced.

Cost and Replacement Availability

When considering the cost of a water pitcher filter, you can’t just look at the initial price tag. You also need to factor in the recurring costs for replacement filters over the next 1-2 years. 

Make sure you choose a top brand with wide availability of replacement filters, because there’s nothing worse than trying to track down a hard-to-find filter when it’s time for a change.

Non-Toxic Materials

Last but not least, safety first! Make sure the pitcher and filter components are certified as BPA-free and constructed from safe, non-leaching materials like stainless steel or Tritan plastic.