Drinking Water Contaminant Glossary
Alachlor, Asbestos, Atrazine, Bacteria, Benzene, Carbofuran, Chlorobenzene,
Chlorine, Class, Cysts, Dichlorobenzene, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Fluoride,
Hardness, Lead, Lindane, Mercury, Micron, MTBE, Particulates, pH, Nitrates
/ Nitrites, Sediment, Simazine, Tetrachloroethylene, Toxaphene, Turbidity,
TTHM, VOCs, 2,4-D.
Alachlor
Alachlor is a herbicide used to control annual grasses and broadleaf
weeds in crops like corn, sorghum, and soybeans. Like other herbicides,
Alachlor enters surface-water as a result of runoff, and enters
underground-water by leaching - that's when water from rain, irrigation,
or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves the chemicals in it,
and carries them down into the groundwater that supplies wells and
springs.
Short-term exposure to Alachlor can cause slight skin and eye
irritation, while long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver,
kidneys, spleen, lining of the nose & eyelids, and cancer.
Alachlor is removed by: WF2CB, MWF, 4396710, 4396711.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a very durable, heat resistant Mineral Fiber found in a
variety of building materials like insulation, floor & ceiling tiles,
roofing, exterior siding, and fireproof boards. It can also be found in
some appliances including toasters, broilers, slow cookers, waffle irons,
dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Long-term exposure to Asbestos can cause chest & abdominal cancers
and lung diseases.
Asbestos is removed by: UKF8001AXX, 12527304, MWF, DA29-00003B,
DA29-00012A, 4396510, 4396548, 4396710, 4396711.
Atrazine
Atrazine is a herbicide used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds.
Like other herbicides, Atrazine enters surface-water as a result of
runoff, and enters underground-water by leaching - that's when water from
rain, irrigation, or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves the
chemicals in it, and carries them down into the groundwater that supplies
wells and springs.
Short-term exposure to Atrazine can cause:
Congestion of the heart, lungs, and kidneys
Low blood pressure
Muscle spasms
Weight loss
Damage to the adrenal glands
Long-term exposure to Atrazine can cause weight loss, cardiovascular
damage, retinal & muscle degeneration, and cancer.
Atrazine is removed by: UKF8001AXX, 12527304, WFCB, WF2CB, MWF,
DA29-00012A, GSWF, LT600P, 4396510, 4396548, 4396710, 4396711.
You can test your drinking water for Atrazine with the WaterSafe
All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Bacteria
Bacteria are everywhere. They are on everything we see and touch, in
the air we breathe, and even in the water we drink. In fact, right now,
the bacterial cells on (and in) your body actually outnumber your own
cells. Much of this bacteria is beneficial, helping us to digest our food,
fight off sickness, and even keep our breath fresh. "Good
bacteria" also helps to displace, or crowd out, the bad bacteria,
which when found in drinking water can cause symptoms like nausea,
diarrhea, cramps, and headaches. that can cause things like pneumonia,
syphilis, cholera, and infections like Strep and Staph.
You can test your drinking water for Bacteria using the WaterSafe Home
Drinking Water Test for Bacteria.
Or, test for Lead, Bacteria, Pesticides, Chlorine, Hardness, Nitrates,
Nitrites, and PH with the WaterSafe All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical compound used in the manufacture of plastics,
rubber, resins, and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. It is also
used as a solvent in the printing, paint, and dry cleaning industries.
Short-term exposure to Benzene can cause temporary nervous system
disorders, immune system depression, and Anemia. Long-term exposure can
cause chromosome aberrations and cancer.
Benzene is removed by: MWF, LT600P, DA29-00003B, DA29-00012A, 4396508,
4396510, 4396547, 4396548, 4396701, 4396702, 4396710, 4396711.
Carbofuran
Carbofuran is an insecticide used to control beetles, nematodes, and
rootworm on crops like alfalfa, rice, corn, grapes, etc. Like other
insecticides, Carbofuran enters surface-water as a result of runoff, and
enters underground-water by leaching - that's when water from rain,
irrigation, or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves the
chemicals in it, and carries them down into the groundwater that supplies
wells and springs.
Short-term exposure to Carbofuran can cause:
Headaches
Sweating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Chest pains
Blurred vision
Anxiety
Muscular weakness
Long-term exposure to Carbofuran can cause damage to the nervous and
reproductive systems.
Carbofuran is removed by: MWF, DA29-00003B, DA29-00012A, 4396508,
4396547, 4396841, 4396842.
Chlorobenzene
Chlorobenzene is a chemical compound with an almond-like smell.
Chlorobenzene is used in the manufacture of chemicals & insecticides,
and as a solvent for adhesives, drugs, rubber, paints, and dry-cleaning.
Short-term exposure to Chlorobenzene can impair the function of the
liver and kidneys, while long-term exposure can cause liver, kidney, and
central nervous system damage.
Chlorobenzene is removed by: 4396710, 4396711.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical element - you may remember it from high school
chemistry as atomic number 17 from the periodic table. Chlorine has been
used by water treatment plants in the U.S. since the early 1900's because
it is a very powerful disinfectant. It kills deadly germs and
microorganisms that might otherwise cause life-threatening waterborne
diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
So, Chlorine is a good thing... as long as you don't mind the bad taste
and odor that comes along with it - remember the last time you swam at the
neighborhood pool? The good news is that your refrigerator filter will
remove the Chlorine just before you drink the water. It's the best of both
worlds really... your drinking water is safe AND tasty!
Chlorine is removed by all of the refrigerator filters we sell.
You can test your drinking water for Chlorine with the WaterSafe
All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Class
What are the Filter
Classes?
Particulate/Sediment
Note: Particulate reduction is divided into six classes:
Class I - 0.5 to < 1 micron in size
Class II - 1 to <5 microns in size
Class III - 5 to <15 microns in size
Class IV - 15 to <30 microns in size
Class V - 30 to <50 microns in size
Class VI - >50 microns in size
Water filters with a Standard 42 (aesthetic effects)
certification are designed to minimize non-health related
contaminants such as chlorine, taste and odor, and particulates.
These filters sorted by classes of performance. For all other
claims, there is only a pass or fail.
For taste & odor, the classes represent chlorine reduction
efficiency:
Class I, a minimum of 75% chlorine reduction.
Class II, 50% reduction.
Class III, 25%.
For mechanical filtration, the classes represent particle size
ranges that are removed with a minimum 85% efficiency:
Class I, ½ -1 micron.
Class II, 1-5 microns.
Class III, 5-15 microns.
Class IV, 15-30 microns.
Class V, 30-50 microns.
Class VI, 50+ microns.
It’s important to note a Class I or Class II rating does not imply
cyst reduction. In order for a water filter to qualify for cyst
reduction, it must have a 99.95 percent minimum filtration
efficiency for 3-4 micron test dust particles, 3.000 micron
micro-spheres, or live cryptosporidium oocysts.
Cyst
A cyst is the survivable form that parasites take on when they leave
the host (you, me, your dog, etc...). The parasite goes dormant and grows
a thick covering like an egg which allows it to survive in water or soil
for long periods of time. The covering even allows it to survive the
chlorine-based disinfectants typically used by the water treatment
industry. The most common types of cyst that cause disease in humans are
Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
These intestinal parasite cysts "hatch" when ingested by
humans and cause intestinal disease. The diseases are not life threatening
if treated, but can be dangerous to people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms Include:
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramping
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Headache
Loss of appetite
Cysts are removed by: UKF8001AXX, 12527304, WFCB, WF2CB, MWF, DA29-00012A,
MXRC, GSWF, LT600P, UKF7003AXX, 4396510, 4396548, 4396710, 4396711,
8171414, 8171788.
Dichlorobenzene
Dichlorobenzene is a colorless organic compound with a pleasant,
aromatic odor. Dichlorobenzene is used in the manufacture of agricultural
chemicals & herbicides, and as a solvent for things like wax, gum,
resin, wood preservatives, and paints. It's also found in some
insecticides, dyes, coolants, deodorizers, and degreasers.
Long-term exposure to Dichlorobenzene can cause nervous system damage,
as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, and blood cells.
Dichlorobenzene is removed by: MWF, DA29-00003B, DA29-00012A, 4396508,
4396510, 4396547, 4396548, 4396701, 4396702, 4396710, 4396711, 4396841,
4396842.
Endrin
Endrin is an insecticide used to control insects, rodents, and birds on
field crops such as cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, cereals, and
ornamentals. Like other insecticides, Endrin enters surface-water as a
result of runoff, and enters underground-water by leaching - that's when
water from rain, irrigation, or other sources flows through the soil,
dissolves the chemicals in it, and carries them down into the groundwater
that supplies wells and springs.
Short-term exposure to Endrin can cause tremors, difficulty breathing,
mental confusion, and convulsions, while long-term exposure can cause
liver damage.
Endrin is removed by: 4396710, 4396711.
Ethylbenzene
Ethylbenzene is a chemical compound with an gasoline-like smell.
Ethylbenzene is primarily used to make the chemical compound Styrene,
which is used in the manufacture of a variety of plastics. Ethylbenzene is
also used as a solvent, and to make some rubber and plastic wraps.
Short-term exposure to Ethylbenzene can cause drowsiness, fatigue,
headaches, and mild eye and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure can
cause central nervous system damage, as well as damage to the liver,
kidneys, and eyes.
Ethylbenzene is removed by: 4396710, 4396711.
Fluoride
Fluoride is the common name for a group of chemical compounds
containing the element Fluorine. In the US, Fluoride is added to things
like toothpaste, mouth-rinse, and drinking water because studies show that
it helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Fluoride is only removed by reverse-osmosis filters.
Hardness
If you've ever washed your hands at a friends house and you just can't
get the soap to lather up, then you've experienced "hard water".
Hardness is the measure of the mineral content of water, and hard water
typically contains excessive amounts of dissolved Calcium, Magnesium,
Bicarbonates, and Sulfates. Hard water shouldn't pose any health concerns,
but it can sometimes make drinks like coffee and tea taste bitter.
You can test the hardness of your drinking water with the WaterSafe
All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Lead
Lead, symbol Pb (for the Latin word Plumbum) from the periodic table,
is extremely toxic to humans. Unfortunately, the toxicity of Lead wasn't
truly understood until it had been used for many, many years in things
like paint, solder, water pipes, brass plumbing fixtures, gasoline, and
pottery. In fact, 75% of the houses built before 1978 contained lead based
paint, and before 1987 the solder used for plumbing typically contained
50% lead. Contact with water slowly corrodes the inside walls of the pipes
& fittings, as well as the solder used to connect them. As this
happens, the dissolved metals flow through the pipes and out through the
faucet.
The health effects of lead exposure are most severe for infants and
children. For them, exposure to high levels of lead in drinking water can
result in delays in physical and mental development, learning disorders,
behavioral problems, and reduced attention span. Lead can also cause
abnormal fetal development in pregnant women. For adults, exposure can
cause damage to the kidneys, central nervous system, and brain, as well as
high blood pressure.
Lead is removed by: UKF8001AXX, 12527304, WFCB, WF2CB, MWF, MXRC, GSWF,
LT600P, UKF7003AXX, DA29-00003B, DA29-00012A, 4396510, 4396548, 4396701,
4396702, 4396710, 4396711, 8171414, 8171788.
You can test your drinking water for Lead using the WaterSafe Home
Drinking Water Test for Lead.
Or, test for Lead, Bacteria, Pesticides, Chlorine, Hardness, Nitrates,
Nitrites, and PH with the WaterSafe All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Lindane
Lindane is an insecticide used on pets, livestock, fruits, vegetables,
cotton, wool, tobacco, and various other plants & trees. It's also
used as a wood preservative, and for treating head lice & scabies on
humans. Like other insecticides, Lindane enters surface-water as a result
of runoff, and enters underground-water by leaching - that's when water
from rain, irrigation, or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves
the chemicals in it, and carries them down into the groundwater that
supplies wells and springs.
Short-term exposure to Lindane can cause high body temperature and
pulmonary edema, while long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver
and kidneys.
Lindane is removed by: UKF8001AXX, 12527304, WF2CB, MWF, DA29-00012A,
GSWF, LT600P, 4396710, 4396711.
Mercury
Mercury is a shiny, silver-gray, liquid metal named after the closest
planet to the Sun. Symbol Hg (for the Latin word hydrargyrum which means
"liquid silver"), Mercury is used in things like thermometers,
barometers, fluorescent lamps, and batteries. Mercury has also been used
since the early 1800's in dental fillings, commonly known as Amalgam - an
alloy containing Mercury, Silver, Tin, and Copper.
Exposure to Mercury can cause neurological & kidney damage.
Mercury is removed by: UKF8001AXX, WF2CB, MWF, LT600P, DA29-00003B,
DA29-00012A, 4396508, 4396510, 4396547, 4396548, 4396701, 4396702,
4396710, 4396711, 4396841, 4396842.
Micron
One micron is one millionth of a meter or approximately 1/25,000 of an
inch. For comparison, a human hair is about 70 microns thick.
Typically, water filters are rated by the smallest particle they can
remove. Most filters can remove particles as small as 10 or 20 microns in
size, but the best filters are able to remove particles smaller than 1
micron. Just remember, when it comes to removing particles, smaller is
definitely better.
MTBE
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, or MTBE, is a volatile, flammable,
colorless liquid that smells a bit like turpentine, and dissolves easily
in water. MTBE has been used in low levels since 1979 to increase the
octane level in gasoline - which helps reduce engine damage caused by
premature combustion, or "knocking". In 1992, levels of MTBE
were raised significantly as a result of the Clean Air Act - since MTBE
also increases the oxygen content, and helps the gasoline burn more
completely. MTBE enters underground-water primarily as a result of leaking
fuel storage tanks and pipelines.
Nitrates / Nitrites
Nitrates and Nitrites are simply chemical compounds containg Nitrogen
and Oxygen. To be more specific, a Nitrate is 1 Nitrogen atom and 3 Oxygen
atoms, while a Nitrite is 1 Nitrogen atom and 2 Oxygen atoms. Seems
harmless enough, right? Well, the problem is that excessive amounts of
Nitrates and Nitrites in the body can reduce the bloods ability to carry
oxygen. They can also combine with protiens found in some foods &
medicines to form Nitrosamine - a substance which has been shown to cause
cancer.
Nitrates are most troublesome to infants... particularly once they've
been ingested and the body converts them to Nitrites - where they reduce
the oxygen-carrying capacity of the infants blood. If untreated, the
so-called "blue baby" disease is very serious, and can be fatal.
Long-term exposure can cause hemorrhaging of the spleen, and diuresis -
excessive formation of urine.
You can test your drinking water for Nitrate & Nitrite with the
WaterSafe All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Particulates
The term "Particulates" refers to particles of rust, dirt,
sand, and sediment found in drinking water. Water that contains
Particulates is typically cloudy, and as you might expect, tastes and
smells "dirty". By themselves, Particulates are not known to
cause any adverse health effects, but they can sometimes carry other
harmful organic, inorganic, and microbiological contaminants through the
drinking water system.
Particulates are removed to some extent by all of the filters we sell.
In general, better filters will remove finer particles. Each filter's
ability to remove particulates is measured against a certain
"particulate class", or particle size.
Class I - 0.5 to 1 micron
Class II - 1 to 5 microns
Class III - 5 to 15 microns
Where one micron is one millionth of a meter or approximately 1/25,000
of an inch.
For example, if a filter is rated to remove "95.1% of Particulates
(Class II)", that just means that it will remove 95.1% of all
particles that are between 1 and 5 microns in size.
pH
pH is a measure of how acidic a liquid is. A liquid with a low pH is
very acidic, while a high pH indicates alkalinity. Acidic water can be
quite corrosive, leaching metals like Lead, Copper, Iron, and Zinc from
the plumbing pipes and fixtures in your home. As you might expect, these
metals flow down the pipes, and into your drinking water. Alkaline water
is typically "hard" - meaning it contains a lot of dissolved
minerals. Hard water isn't considered a health concern, but it can give
drinks like coffee and tea a bitter taste.
You can test the pH of your drinking water with the WaterSafe
All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Sediment
Sediment is nothing more than dirt and rocks that settle on the bottom
of lakes, rivers, and streams. Dredging, floods, or even bottom-feeding
fish can sometimes stir sediment back into the water, and cause turbidity.
Sediment doesn't cause any adverse health effects, but like particulates,
sediment can carry other harmful organic, inorganic, and microbiological
contaminants.
Sediment is removed to some extent by all of the filters we sell. In
general, better filters will remove finer sediment.
Simazine
Simazine is a pre-emergent herbicide used to control broad-leaf and
grassy weeds on crops like corn, asparagus, beans, oranges, and
artichokes. Like other herbicides, Simazine can enter surface-water as a
result of runoff, and underground-water by leaching - that's when water
from rain, irrigation, or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves
the chemicals in it, and carries them down into the groundwater that
supplies wells and springs.
Short-term exposure to Simazine can cause changes in the blood, and
weight loss, while long-term exposure can cause tremors, cancer, mutation
of the genes, and damage to the testicles, liver, kidneys, and thyroid.
You can test your drinking water for Simazine with the WaterSafe
All-In-One Home Drinking Water Test.
Tetrachloroethylene
Tetrachloroethylene is a chemical compound used mainly in aerosol
dry-cleaning products and metal degreasers, and to a lesser extent in
rubber coatings, solvent soaps, printing inks, adhesives, sealants,
polishes, lubricants, and pesticides.
Long-term exposure to Tetrachloroethylene can cause liver problems and
may increase the risk of getting some types of cancer.
Tetrachloroethylene is removed by: 4396710, 4396711.
Toxaphene
Toxaphene is an insecticide used on cotton, vegetables, livestock, and
poultry. In the past, it was also used to kill unwanted fish in some
lakes. Like other insecticides, Toxaphene enters surface-water as a result
of runoff, and enters underground-water by leaching - that's when water
from rain, irrigation, or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves
the chemicals in it, and carries them down into the groundwater that
supplies wells and springs.
Short-term exposure to Toxaphene can cause restlessness,
hyperexcitability, tremors, spasms, and convulsions. Long-term exposure
can cause degeneration of the liver and kidneys, damage to the central
nervous system, suppression of the immune system, and cancer.
Toxaphene is removed by: UKF8001AXX, WFCB, WF2CB, MWF, DA29-00012A,
4396508, 4396510, 4396547, 4396548, 4396710, 4396711, 4396841, 4396842.
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of how clear the water is. Water with a lot of
suspended solids, appears murky, and has a high level of Turbidity.
Suspended solids can be anything from microscopic floating plants like
Phytoplankton, to clays and silts, or even sediment that's been stirred
back into the water by dredging, floods, or bottom-feeding fish like carp.
These suspended solids can sometimes carry toxic organic contaminants,
pesticides, and heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, and lead.
Turbidity is removed by: UKF8001AXX, 12527304, WFCB, WF2CB, MWF, MXRC,
DA29-00012A, GSWF, LT600P, UKF7003AXX, DA29-00003B, 4396510, 4396548,
4396710, 4396711, 8171414, 8171788.
TTHM (Total TriHaloMethanes)
Trihalomethanes (TTHM or THM) are the by-products of the water
disinfection process. Typically, disinfectants like Chlorine react with
the naturally occurring organic matter in the water they are disinfecting.
This process produces things like Chloroform, Dibromochloromethane,
Bromodichloromethane, and Bromoform. Fortunately, the health risks of
TTHMs are very small compared with the risks of inadequately disinfected
water.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs include chemicals that are both man-made and naturally occurring.
The VOCs we're most likely to be exposed to come in the form of
pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides that enter the water supply as a
result of runoff. Other VOCs enter the water supply through the disposal
of industrial waste. This can include things like total trihalomethanes (TTHM),
a by-product of the chlorination process.
2,4-D
2,4-D is a herbicide used to control broad-leaf weeds in crops like
wheat and corn, and on pasture and rangelands. It's also used to control
woody plants along roadsides, railways, and powerlines. Like other
herbicides, 2,4-D enters surface-water as a result of runoff, and enters
underground-water by leaching - that's when water from rain, irrigation,
or other sources flows through the soil, dissolves the chemicals in it,
and carries them down into the groundwater that supplies wells and
springs.
Short-term exposure to 2,4-D can cause damage to the nervous system,
while long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
2,4-D is removed by: 12527304, WFCB, WF2CB, MWF, DA29-00012A, LT600P,
4396510, 4396548.
1 Micron - 10 Micron - 20
Micron - Water Filters
What's the Difference?
For household water filter needs:
Beach Sand needs 40 micron to 500 micron
filters (if you can see sand only)
Fine grit needs 20 to 40 micron filters (if you see or feel grit and sand)
Silt 5 to 20 micron filters (discolored and muddy)
Cryptosporidium
& Giardia Cysts needs 0.5 micron filters (not visible to the naked
eye)
Paper, String and Poly Spun for Rust and Sediment - from 5 to 40
microns.
Carbon block is 0.5 microns
For city water and other chlorinated
water supplies.
RS1 20 Micron or TO1
10 Micron
RS7 40
Micron or RS2 5
Micron
For well water
systems
RS3 20 Micron or RS2
5 Micron
TO3
10 Micron or RS7
40 Micron
Carbon Wrapped for taste and odors.
TO1 10 Micron - City Water /
TO3
10 Micron
- Well Water
Carbon Block for taste and odors plus reducing bacteria.
Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts:
CB1 0.5 Micron or CB3
0.5 Micron - plus metals and VOCs
| What are the Filter
Classes?
Particulate/Sediment
Note: Particulate reduction is divided into six classes:
Class I - 0.5 to < 1 micron in size
Class II - 1 to <5 microns in size
Class III - 5 to <15 microns in size
Class IV - 15 to <30 microns in size
Class V - 30 to <50 microns in size
Class VI - >50 microns in size |
Carbon Wrapped for taste and odors plus reducing bacteria.
Carbon Block for taste and odors plus reducing bacteria will be 0.5
microns to 1 microns.
|
