Sofia Martinez
Water filter pitchers are popular products that claim to remove unwanted substances from tap water, such as chlorine and toxic heavy metals. However, there are concerns about whether these products effectively remove microplastics, which are small plastic particles that can contaminate water sources. Tests have shown varying results, with some filters reducing or completely removing microplastics, while others have been found to increase the number of microplastic particles in water. Additionally, there are concerns about plastic water pitchers potentially leaching chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to heat or UV light. While the presence of microplastics in drinking water may not be a significant health concern, it highlights the importance of understanding the potential impact of plastic on water quality and exploring alternative solutions to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.
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What You'll Learn
Brita filters are not designed to remove microplastics
Brita water filter pitchers are designed to reduce impurities in water, such as chlorine, odour, and taste. They achieve this through the use of granular activated carbon filters. However, these filters are not specifically designed to remove microplastics or other contaminants like lead from water. Microplastics refer to tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimetres in size, and they can originate from various sources, including plastic bottles and personal care products.
While Brita filters may not be tailored to eliminate microplastics, it's important to understand the broader context of microplastic prevalence in water sources. Tap water in the United States, for instance, may contain microplastics, and the best approach to removing them is by using specific filtration systems targeted at microplastics, such as carbon block or reverse osmosis filters. These filtration methods can effectively reduce the presence of microplastics in drinking water.
ConsumerLab conducted tests on popular water filter pitchers, including Brita, to assess their ability to remove microplastics. The results revealed varying levels of effectiveness. One water filter completely removed all detectable microplastic particles, while two others achieved reductions of 80% and 36%, respectively. Interestingly, one pitcher demonstrated a significant increase in microplastic particles, adding 437.4 particles per litre of water, even after additional flushes.
It's worth noting that Brita pitchers and filters are made from various types of plastic, such as polypropylene, NAS (a styrene-based plastic), and SAN (styrene acrylonitrile). While Brita claims that their products are BPA-free and tested for material safety, studies have shown that certain hard clear plastics, including BPA replacements, can release estrogenic chemicals. To minimise the potential leaching of chemicals, it's recommended to hand wash plastic components with mild detergent and air-dry them upside down, avoiding abrasive cleaners.
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Brita pitchers are made from polypropylene plastic
There has been concern about the safety of Brita water filter pitchers due to their plastic composition. Brita filters are made from granulated activated carbon, which comes from coconut shells. The manufacturing process of the filters involves the use of polypropylene plastic, which can emit harmful CO2 and unknown toxic properties when heated during production.
Brita filters are designed to enhance the taste, colour, and smell of drinking water. They are not specifically designed to remove microplastics, which are small plastic particles that can contaminate water sources. Recent tests have shown that some water filter pitchers, including Brita, may be adding plastic particles to the water.
While Brita filters can help reduce the risk of health issues associated with contaminated water, such as gastrointestinal illnesses and developmental issues in children, the presence of microplastics in filtered water is a concern. It is recommended to use a water filtration system that specifically targets microplastics to ensure the water is safe to drink.
It is worth noting that Brita offers a recycling program for its filters, pitchers, and other products through a partnership with TerraCycle. However, the pitcher materials themselves are not recyclable.
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$29.78 $34.99
Heat and UV light increase leaching from plastic
Brita water filter pitchers use granular activated carbon filters to reduce impurities from water, such as chlorine, taste, and odor. These filters are inexpensive to manufacture and are not specifically designed to remove microplastics or water contaminants like lead. Microplastics are small particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size and can come from various sources, including plastic bottles and personal care products.
While Brita pitchers do not explicitly claim to remove microplastics, some users may be concerned about the potential leaching of plastic particles into their water, especially with exposure to heat and UV light. Heat and UV light can accelerate the degradation of plastics, potentially increasing the leaching of plastic particles into the water.
UV light can cause aesthetic changes to plastics, such as yellowing, leaching of dyed materials, and bleaching of the surface. It can also initiate autocatalytic radical oxidation, the most important abiotic degradation process for plastic in the environment. This degradation can result in the formation of microplastics and the liberation of additives and degradation products.
Heat, along with UV light, is an environmental factor that can contribute to the degradation of plastics. This degradation can lead to changes in the polymer, including chemical disintegration and bio-degradation, ultimately affecting the lifespan and appearance of the plastic.
To prevent UV degradation, blockers, stabilizers, or absorbers can be used, and materials like titanium dioxide and carbon black can provide protective surface coatings. These measures can help reduce the potential leaching of plastic particles from Brita pitchers, ensuring that users have access to clean and safe drinking water.
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Bottled water has a higher risk of microplastics leaching
Microplastics are small particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimetres in size. They can be found in a variety of sources, including plastic bottles and personal care products. The ingestion of microplastics has been a growing concern for public health due to the possible toxicity associated with their polymeric composition, additives, and other compounds or microorganisms adsorbed on their surface.
Bottled water has been found to have a higher concentration of microplastics than tap water. A recent study detected an average of 240,000 plastic particles per litre of bottled water, with 90% of these particles being nanoplastics and the rest being microplastics. The water contained particles of all seven types of plastic, the most common being polyamide, a type of nylon used in water purification. Other plastics identified included polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene.
The high concentration of microplastics in bottled water may be due to the leaching of plastic packaging or plastic pipes in the water supply systems. Studies have shown that MPs in tap water were lower in abundance and higher in size compared to bottled water, indicating that the treatment processes in drinking water plants are effective in removing MPs.
While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unknown, their small size allows them to enter the body's cells and tissues. Previous research has found evidence of plastic particles in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, and reproductive tissues.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to drink tap water from glass or stainless steel containers. Filtering tap water using carbon block or reverse osmosis filters can also help remove microplastic particles.
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Some water filter pitchers worsen water quality
Water filter pitchers are designed to remove unwanted substances from tap water, such as chlorine and toxic heavy metals. However, recent tests by ConsumerLab have revealed significant differences in how well popular water filter pitchers work, with some filters worsening the quality of drinking water.
The tests conducted by ConsumerLab involved purchasing and testing four popular counter-top water filter pitchers from Aquasana, Brita, PUR, and ZeroWater. Each filter was evaluated based on its ability to remove chlorine, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, microplastics, and dissolved solids. The report also considered the cost of filter replacements and provided tips for optimising the performance of water filters.
One of the key findings from the tests was that some water filter pitchers added plastic to the water instead of removing it. Specifically, one pitcher increased the number of microplastic particles by 1,206%, even after multiple flushes. This finding highlights the potential for water filter pitchers to introduce contaminants rather than solely removing them.
In addition to the issue of microplastics, the tests revealed variations in the filters' ability to remove arsenic and fluoride. While all the pitchers effectively eliminated lead, cadmium, and mercury, their performance in removing arsenic differed, with two products removing all arsenic and the other two achieving only 15% and 56% removal rates. Regarding fluoride, one filter removed it entirely, while the others reduced fluoride levels by 10.7% to 30.7%. It is important to consider the presence of fluoride in water, as it is added to water supplies to protect teeth, but high levels can be detrimental.
Furthermore, ConsumerLab's tests also revealed that some pitchers released a significant amount of carbon particles into the water. This finding underscores the variability in the performance of different water filter pitchers and the potential for unintended consequences in water quality.
While water filter pitchers can be a convenient option for improving water quality, it is essential to recognise that not all filters are created equal. The choice of a suitable water filter pitcher should be informed by independent evaluations and certifications. Additionally, considering alternatives such as under-sink or faucet-mounted filters, as recommended by sources like Wirecutter, can provide longer-lasting, more effective filtration with reduced clogging issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Brita water filter pitchers use Granular Activated Carbon filters to reduce impurities from water, such as chlorine, taste and odour. These filters are not specifically designed to remove microplastics. However, Brita claims that their pitcher lids and filter housing are made of polypropylene plastic, which is tested for material safety.
To prevent plastic particles from leaching into your water, it is recommended to hand wash plastic components with mild detergent and air-dry them upside down. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and dishwashers, as they can stress the plastic over time. Store the pitcher in a cool, dark place away from sunlight to prevent algae formation.
Yes, there are alternatives to plastic water filter pitchers, such as glass or stainless steel pitchers. You can also invest in a whole-house filter or an under-the-counter reverse osmosis system to reduce your exposure to plastic.
