Ethan Clarke
Water filter pitchers are a common household item, with Brita being a popular brand. Brita water filters have become nearly synonymous with safe drinking water. However, with the rise of concerns about plastic toxicity, many people are curious about the type of plastic used in Brita pitchers and whether it is safe. The pitchers are made of either NAS (a styrene-based plastic) or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile), while the lids and filter housings are made of polypropylene plastic, and the handles are made from Santoprene. While Brita claims that their products are BPA-free and do not leach, some studies have shown that hard clear plastics can release estrogenic chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polypropylene, Styrene Methylmethacrylate Copolymer, Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), Styrene-based plastic (NAS), Santoprene |
| Plastic concerns | Potential leaching of chemicals, microplastics, PFAS, BPA |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI (National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute), WQA (Water Quality Association) |
| Filter recyclability | Brita partners with TerraCycle for a free mail-in recycling program for used filters |
| Filter replacement | Every 2-6 months, depending on usage and filter type |
| Filter testing | NSF tests for leachates associated with plastic ingredients |
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What You'll Learn
- Brita plastic pitchers are made from styrene-based plastic, such as NAS or SAN
- The styrene-based plastic used in Brita pitchers is considered safe and BPA-free
- Brita plastic pitchers are certified by NSF/ANSI and WQA for safety and quality
- Brita plastic pitchers may release microplastics into the water due to the use of plastic
- Brita offers a recycling program for its plastic pitchers and filters through a partnership with TerraCycle
Brita plastic pitchers are made from styrene-based plastic, such as NAS or SAN
Brita water filter pitchers are made from styrene-based plastic, such as NAS or SAN. The lids and filter housings are made from polypropylene plastic, while the handles are made from Santoprene.
NAS, a trademarked plastic, is very similar to polystyrene. It is manufactured by Nova Chemicals, the largest producer of styrene/polystyrene in North America. NAS provides stress-hazing and surface crazing resistance superior to acrylic and exhibits virtually no reaction to popular automatic dishwashing detergents, drying agents, and household cleaners. When sterilized by Gamma or electron beams, NAS resins recover clarity faster than acrylic, with minimal yellowing. Aside from the trademark, NAS is not much different from general polystyrene plastics, as it is synthetically based on single-molecule styrene, a liquid petrochemical derived from petroleum.
SAN plastics are also used in the bodies of Brita filters. The SAN copolymer generally contains 70 to 80% styrene and 20 to 30% acrylonitrile. This combination provides higher strength, rigidity, and chemical resistance than polystyrene, although it tends to yellow more quickly. The difference between NAS and SAN is the addition of acrylonitrile, another type of monomer based on the chemical compound C3H3N. Acrylonitrile is considered a Class 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Brita water filter pitchers are certified by the NSF/ANSI (National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute), the WQA (Water Quality Association), or both. The NSF requires information about the constituents of the plastic and tests for leachates associated with those ingredients. For example, they would look for styrene and acrylonitrile leaching into the water from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
While Brita water filter pitchers are BPA-free, studies have shown that many hard clear plastics, including BPA replacements, release estrogenic chemicals. Plastics and endocrine disruption are still being studied, but to err on the side of safety, it is recommended to hand wash plastic components with mild detergent and air dry them upside down, avoiding abrasive cleaners.
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The styrene-based plastic used in Brita pitchers is considered safe and BPA-free
Brita water filters are nearly synonymous with safe drinking water. Brita pitchers are made of hard, clear plastic, which is typically polystyrene-based. The styrene-based plastic used in Brita pitchers is considered safe and BPA-free.
The body of the Brita filter is made of either NAS (a styrene-based plastic) or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile). The lids and filter housings are made of polypropylene plastic, and the handles are made from Santoprene. These plastics are tested by the NSF for material safety. The NSF/ANSI (National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute) develops voluntary consensus standards for water filtration products and handles testing and inspection.
However, there have been studies showing that many hard, clear plastics, including BPA replacements, release estrogenic chemicals. Plastics and endocrine disruption are still being studied. To err on the side of safety, it is recommended to hand wash plastic components with mild detergent and air dry them upside down, avoiding abrasive cleaners.
While Brita pitchers are BPA-free, the filters themselves are not recyclable in North America. Brita offers a free mail-in recycling program for its filters, pitchers, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, and packaging in partnership with TerraCycle.
Water filter pitchers are generally safe to use, but safety depends on their make and maintenance. Most top-rated brands use Tritan plastic, which is tested to be free of harmful estrogenic or androgenic activity. Mold can be avoided with basic hygiene, and as long as the filter is changed regularly, the water should remain safe to drink.
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Brita plastic pitchers are certified by NSF/ANSI and WQA for safety and quality
Brita water filters have become synonymous with safe drinking water. The standard Brita pitcher filter is certified to improve water's taste and odour and to reduce aesthetic chlorine under NSF/ANSI Standard 42. This means that the filter reduces chlorine levels so that drinking water does not taste or smell like chlorine.
Brita's plastic pitchers are made from polypropylene plastic, NAS (a styrene-based plastic), SAN (styrene acrylonitrile), and Santoprene. All of these plastics are tested by the NSF for material safety. However, it is important to note that studies have shown that many hard, clear plastics, including BPA replacements, can release estrogenic chemicals.
To address concerns about plastic toxicity, Brita has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a free mail-in recycling program for its plastic products. This program allows consumers to recycle Brita filters, pitchers, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, and packaging.
While Brita plastic pitchers are certified for safety and quality, it is important to maintain proper upkeep to ensure optimal performance. Basic hygiene practices, such as hand washing the pitcher with mild detergent and air drying it upside down, can help prevent mold and maintain the effectiveness of the filter.
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Brita plastic pitchers may release microplastics into the water due to the use of plastic
The possibility of Brita pitchers releasing microplastics is concerning, as microplastics are small plastic particles that can contaminate water. While Brita filters can reduce impurities like chlorine, taste, and odor, they are not designed to remove microplastics. ConsumerLab tests on Brita pitchers revealed varying results, with some filters potentially adding plastic to the water.
The release of microplastics from plastic pitchers is influenced by factors such as rapid heating and cooling, friction, and bending. Water's ability to dissolve substances also contributes to the leaching of microplastics. While plastic water pitchers may generate fewer microplastics due to their simpler design, they are not perfect.
To minimize the risk of microplastic consumption, individuals can opt for glass or stainless steel pitchers, under-sink filters, or non-plastic bottles. Proper care and handling of plastic pitchers, including hand washing with mild detergent and air drying, can also reduce the potential for microplastic release.
While Brita filters can improve water quality by removing certain contaminants, the potential release of microplastics is a concern that consumers should be aware of and consider when making informed choices about their water filtration options.
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Brita offers a recycling program for its plastic pitchers and filters through a partnership with TerraCycle
Brita water filter pitchers are made of hard, clear plastic, with the lids and filter housings made of polypropylene plastic and the reservoirs and pitchers made from either NAS (a styrene-based plastic) or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile). While Brita claims that its pitchers are BPA-free, studies have shown that many hard clear plastics, including BPA replacements, release estrogenic chemicals.
To address this issue, Brita has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a free mail-in recycling program for its plastic pitchers, filters, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, and packaging. This program is easy to use and free of charge for customers. First, customers need to create a TerraCycle account and request a QR code or shipping label from FedEx, or download a shipping label via UPS. They can then use any box to start collecting their Brita products and packaging. Once the box is full, they can seal it, attach the shipping label, and send it to TerraCycle for recycling.
The collected Brita products and packaging are cleaned and separated by material type at the TerraCycle facilities. The plastic is then recycled into raw formats that manufacturers can use to create new products. For example, the plastic can be shredded and reused to make recycled plastic products like park benches and bike racks. TerraCycle also offers rewards points for recycling, which customers can redeem as donations to schools, charities, or nonprofits of their choice.
By providing this recycling program, Brita helps reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans. Each Brita filter used means 300 standard 16.9 oz plastic bottles are saved from becoming waste. Additionally, Brita's filters provide a simple and clean alternative to bottled water, helping to cut down on single-use plastic consumption. In 2019, Brita customers filtered enough water to replace 12 billion single-use plastic water bottles, significantly reducing plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Brita pitchers are made of either NAS (a styrene-based plastic) or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile). The lids and filter housings are made of polypropylene plastic, and the handles are made from Santoprene.
Brita pitchers are BPA-free and are tested by the NSF for material safety. However, studies have shown that many hard clear plastics, including BPA replacements, release estrogenic chemicals.
Brita filters use activated carbon technology to trap certain contaminants. Depending on the exact replacement cartridge, Brita pitcher filters are certified to filter out chlorine and chloramine, lead, PFAS, and microplastics.
Brita filters should be replaced every two to six months, depending on the filter and usage. Some filters last 40 gallons, while others can last up to 150+ gallons.
