Have you ever relied on a PUR filter to purify your drinking water? While these filters may be a common household item, they may not be as effective as you think when it comes to removing PFAS, a group of synthetic compounds that have been linked to a range of health issues.
In fact, a study conducted by Duke University found that PUR filters had the least effective PFAS removal of all the brands tested. As concerns about PFAS contamination continue to grow, it’s important to know the truth about the effectiveness of PUR filters and how to best protect yourself from these harmful substances.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic substances that have been used in countless products since the 1950s. They are notoriously difficult to remove from water and have been linked to a range of health issues such as cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental problems in children.
While pitcher filters can remove about 50% of PFAS compounds on average, PUR filters are not suitable for filtering PFAS to drinking water standards. With the growing concern about PFAS contamination, it’s important to understand the limitations of these filters and explore the best treatment technologies available to eliminate PFAS from your drinking water.
Key Takeaways
– PUR filters are not effective at removing PFAS to drinking water standards, only removing 37% on average.
– Berkey and Aquasana have the best PFAS removal rates among pitcher filters, at 98.8% and 99% respectively.
– Reverse osmosis is the most effective way to remove PFAS from water.
– Bottled water may also help remove micro-impurities like PFAS, but should be distilled or passed through a reverse osmosis system.
PFAS Contamination Concerns
You may be concerned about PFAS contamination in your drinking water, as these synthetic substances are difficult to remove and have been linked to potential health risks such as fertility problems, cancers, birth defects, and reduced immune strength.
PFAS are present in various consumer products and industrial processes, which can lead to ecological impacts as well. These substances are frustratingly difficult to remove from water, air, soil, and other materials, and resist breaking down as most other substances normally would.
The growing concern for PFAS contamination has prompted health officials, environmental groups, and consumers to take action and demand safer drinking water. The safety of PFAS is still being debated and studied, but evidence is growing that links these substances to poor health and complications.
It is important to eliminate PFAS from your family’s water to reduce the health risks posed by long-term exposure or blood levels. Home reverse osmosis or water distillation systems, as well as bottled water from brands like Dasani and Aquafina may help remove micro-impurities like PFAS.
Effectiveness of Pitcher Filters
When considering pitcher filters for removing synthetic substances found in water, it’s important to keep in mind that they have varying effectiveness in eliminating PFAS compounds, with some brands performing better than others.
The Duke University study found that PUR filters had the least effective PFAS removal among all the brands tested. Berkey and Aquasana had the best PFAS removal rates among pitcher filters, at 98.8% and 99% respectively. Brita filters displayed inconsistent performance, ranging from 8.3% to 77.3% in PFAS removal.
It’s crucial to choose the right brand of pitcher filter to ensure that your family is safe from the long-term impact of PFAS exposure. The health dangers posed by PFAS in drinking water make it essential to eliminate them from your family’s water. While pitcher filters can eliminate about 50% of PFAS compounds on average, there are variations in brand performance.
It’s important to choose a brand that has been proven to remove PFAS effectively to ensure that your family is protected from the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. Berkey and Aquasana are currently the best options for removing PFAS from drinking water, but it’s always wise to stay informed and updated on new products and technologies that can help you keep your family safe.
Effectiveness of PUR Filters
It’s important to keep in mind that while PUR filters are effective at removing various contaminants from drinking water, they only remove 37% of PFAS compounds. This means that they’re not suitable for filtering PFAS to drinking water standards.
The PUR pitcher filter uses a combination of activated carbon and a particulate filter to purify water, but it doesn’t contain enough carbon to remove all PFAS. Similarly, the PUR faucet filter has both activated carbon and a particulate filter, but also lacks enough carbon to remove all PFAS.
If you’re concerned about PFAS contamination in your drinking water, you may want to consider using a different filtration system. Reverse osmosis is currently the best way to remove PFAS from water, and devices with an NSF rating of 58 or 62 are best for purification and water safety. Alternatively, bottled water from brands like Dasani and Aquafina may also help remove micro-impurities like PFAS if it’s been distilled or passed through a reverse osmosis system.
It’s important to prioritize your health and safety when it comes to the water you consume, and researching the best PFAS filtration options is a great place to start.
Best Ways to Remove PFAS
Consider using reverse osmosis or bottled water from brands such as Dasani or Aquafina that have been distilled or passed through a reverse osmosis system to remove PFAS from your drinking water.
Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for removing PFAS from water, as it uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants. This process can eliminate up to 99% of PFAS, making it a reliable solution for those concerned about the health risks associated with these chemicals.
If you prefer to use bottled water, look for brands that have been distilled or purified through reverse osmosis. These methods remove impurities and contaminants, including PFAS, from water, ensuring that you are drinking clean and safe water.
It’s worth noting that using bottled water can be more expensive in the long run than investing in a home reverse osmosis system, which can provide a more cost-effective solution in the long term. Ultimately, the most important thing is to take action to ensure that your drinking water is safe and free from harmful contaminants like PFAS.
Conclusion
So, what’s the truth about PUR filters and PFAS? Unfortunately, it’s not good news for those relying on these filters to remove these harmful compounds from their drinking water.
While pitcher filters can remove some PFAS compounds, PUR filters have been found to be the least effective of all brands tested.
If you’re concerned about PFAS contamination in your water, it’s important to explore other treatment technologies. Reverse osmosis, granular activated carbon, and ion exchange resins are all effective methods for removing PFAS from drinking water.
Don’t take any chances with your health and the health of your loved ones – do your research and invest in a treatment method that will effectively remove PFAS from your drinking water.
