Do Water Filters Remove Chlorine And Lead (In-Depth Explanations)
Water filters can succeed in removing a variety of contaminants from water, but the type of filter you choose determines what contaminants are removed. However, it’s possible to create a filtering system that offers you nothing but pure water by combining different treatment methods.
Physical filtration and active or chemical filtration are the two major modes of operation for water filters. Most filters combine these two approaches: an “active” filter alters the contaminant in some way before physically filtering it out of the water. You can remove practically everything from your water by combining these sorts of filters with one or more different treatment procedures.
So, do water filters remove chlorine and lead? Let’s find out!
What Do Water Filters Remove?
Lead, chlorine, germs, calcium, minerals, salt, and carcinogens are only a few of the physical, chemical, biological, and radioactive substances that are removed by water filters.
The bulk of the pollutants are removed by most drinking water filtration technologies. Although this is by no means an exhaustive list, five contaminants, in particular, have a substantial impact on the quality of your water.
Remember that most products feature a variety of filter options. Salespeople may be able to assist you in making an appropriate choice, but keep in mind that they are occasionally paid to promote a specific brand. Before you buy a filter, double-check the claims and study the tiny print on the packaging to make sure it will work for your needs.
Don’t assume that if one contaminant is removed, the filter will also remove others. Chemical filters frequently fail to efficiently eliminate germs and vice versa. Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation systems, which remove compounds from water, may also remove fluoride.
How Do Chlorine And Lead Get Into Your Water?
Over the last two decades, steps have been done to limit lead exposure in tap water. Despite this, lead in water can come from residences with lead service connections connecting the house to the main water line.
Brass or chrome-plated brass faucets galvanized iron pipes, and other plumbing soldered with lead may still be found in homes without lead service lines. Lead may be present in the water from drinking water fountains with lead-lined tanks and other plumbing fixtures not designed for drinking water (e.g., lab faucets, hoses, spigots, hand washing sinks).
Even in brand-new homes, the water pipes may be transporting lead-contaminated water into the property. Hundreds of major cities in the United States still have 100% lead pipes linking municipal water plants to homes and businesses, according to the EPA.
Over 98 percent of all water utilities in the United States use chlorine to disinfect their drinking water. It has proven to be an effective barrier in preventing viruses from infecting you through your faucet.
The only disinfectants that can effectively kill germs during water treatment and maintain water quality as it runs from the treatment plant to the consumer’s tap are chlorine and chlorine-based compounds.
Do Chlorine And Lead Harm Your Health?
Lead is a neurotoxin that causes brain damage as well as renal disease. Lead also harms red blood cells as well as the blood vessel walls. It is extremely harmful to pregnant women since it poses a life-threatening threat to unborn children and infants. Even in young children as early as seven years of age, it can cause major harm to the nervous system, as well as a variety of anomalies and disabilities, such as:
- Mental and physical growth delays
- IQ decline
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is
- Behavioral issues of a generic nature
- Damage to the brain and nerve system
Chlorine inhalation has been linked to dangerous exposure, according to research. Health impacts typically occur in a matter of seconds:
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
- Breathing difficulties
- Itching of the eyes
- Airway irritation is a condition in which the airways become irritated.
- Irritation of the skin is a condition in which the skin becomes irritated.
- Wheezing and a sore throat
The severity of the health impacts will be determined by the level of exposure, duration, and dose.
Chlorine causes fluid build-up in the lungs when breathed or consumed in large amounts. Pulmonary edema is the medical term for this illness. It can take hours for it to develop after being exposed to chlorine.
How To Test Chlorine And Lead In Your Water
- Purchase a test: Because you can’t taste, see, or smell lead in water, the only way to know for sure if it’s present is to test it. Simple tests can be purchased at your local home improvement store for $10-$20. Your local or state drinking water authority can offer you a list of certified laboratories if you need a more extensive water test.
- Read the Municipal Water Report: By July 1st of each year, the EPA mandates all community water suppliers to create and deliver an annual water quality report to their customers. Visit this EPA page to find your local Consumer Confidence Report.
Check this video for the DIY test:
How To Remove Chlorine And Lead From Your Water
- Reverse osmosis is a simple and cost-effective solution to protect your home drinking water. Reverse osmosis is capable of removing 99.1% of lead from water.
Household water pressure forces water through a series of filters during the reverse osmosis water treatment process. The reverse osmosis system’s membrane will filter out pollutants, including lead from water. Impurities are flushed away throughout the RO filtering process, leaving you with filtered, clean drinking water. Reverse osmosis is a very efficient filtration method that costs only pennies per gallon to produce, uses no energy, and is simple to clean and maintain.
- Distillation is a long process that consumes a lot of energy from a heat source, thus it isn’t the most efficient method.
- Filtration with activated carbon: Heavy metals such as lead, magnesium, and a variety of other hazardous pollutants are absorbed by activated carbon. However, not all carbon-activated filtration eliminates lead. Filter cartridges quickly fill up and must be replaced regularly. The filters’ ability to remove lead deteriorates after a specific volume of water has been processed, depending on the quality and power capability of the filters.
Read More:
Pyrolytic Vs Catalytic Ovens: Pros & Cons Comparison
Conclusion (Do Water Filters Remove Chlorine And Lead)
To remove chlorine and lead, a variety of methods are used. Make sure, though, that the answer is appropriate for the issue you’re experiencing at home.
Don’t be afraid to invest in water filters because self-care is not self-indulgent. It’s necessary for your survival and health. Installing a water filter to provide a clean source of water within your home is a good place to start.
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