When it comes to home water filters you have much to choose from. Most of us know that filters for home use are important for our health. Filters for the shower provide both health and cosmetic benefits. Then there are whole house water filters for home use that will block nearly every chemical and contaminant that could be in your water. So, how do you choose? Hopefully, we can help.
Many companies provide home water filters to purify the tap. The least effective are the pitcher types which only block about 75% of the chlorine and 93% of the lead. Other contaminants, such as chemicals and cysts are not removed by even the best pitchers.
The best filters for home drinking water remove 99% of chlorine, lead, cysts and cancer causing chemicals. Ask to see the product performance data sheet before you buy. The most expensive ones are often no better than the more reasonably priced ones, so you want to look at performance, rather than price.
Water filters for the shower are relatively new. Only a few companies provide a good quality version. Like other water filters for home use, the main target should be protection from chlorine. It causes damage to the skin and hair, but, even worse, chlorine vapors are toxic.
Highly concentrated chlorine gas is used as a chemical weapon, because it irritates the respiratory system. Some people are allergic to chlorine. Others are simply sensitive to the smell. Studies indicate that showering in chlorinated water may cause an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Other chemical vapors are also released during a shower.
You can get home water filters designed specifically for the shower or you can get whole house filters, but just make sure, once again, to compare the effectiveness. Of the five leading filters for home showers, two only block about 50% of the chlorine and do nothing to remove lead, copper or balance pH and mineral content. The three best filters for the shower vary greatly in price, but they do the same basic job. Why pay more if you don't have to?
There are even fewer selections for whole house water filters. The most expensive and least effective against chlorine is reverse osmosis. Companies that sell reverse osmosis filters for home use claim that they are providing the latest technology. In truth, the technology is outdated and does not reflect the latest research concerning healthful drinking water.
Water filters for home that use reverse osmosis systems produce de-mineralized water Even if you have a really high mineral content or a problem with "hard" water you really do not want to drink de-mineralized water Doing so can cause mineral deficiencies and the effect on your long term health is largely unknown.
The best filters for home use balance the mineral content by using an ion exchange system. Multi-stage home water filters can provide clean healthful water to every faucet in your home. Just remember to do your homework, before you buy.
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