The United States and Canada are fortunate to have access to some of the highest-quality drinking water in the world. However, a May 2019 report found that 43 states had locations where groundwater was contaminated with PFAS.
This U.S. study shows that water filter pitchers are not effective at removing all contaminants found in tap water. Taking action and assuming greater responsibility for improving health and safety is important. But does your water filter pitcher really make a difference in your water quality?
New research suggests that water purifiers such as Brita do not always work as effectively as expected. Their effectiveness can vary considerably when it comes to filtering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or toxic chemicals known as PFAS.
These chemicals pose serious risks to human health, including kidney cancer and thyroid disease.
In a study of 89 different filters, the results suggest that reverse osmosis systems are consistently the most effective at treating these toxic substances.
* See the study published on February 5, 2020, in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
PFAS in water
Researchers tested 76 point-of-use filters. Researchers tested 76 point-of-use filters. In other words, these are water purification systems used every day in the home, such as Brita pitchers or faucet-mounted filters available at home improvement stores. They also tested 13 point-of-entry, or whole-home, systems that can be installed to filter water as it enters the home, before it reaches the faucet.
Water samples were collected from homes in one county and tested for PFAS and other chemicals. PFAS are a well-known and surprisingly widespread health concern. They have even been found in takeout containers and grocery products. Because of their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, these “forever chemicals” can take thousands of years to break down. Once these materials end up in landfills, contaminants can leach into the environment and eventually make their way into drinking water.
