Reverse Osmosis Water filters: Are They A Good Choice?
To protect your children’s health, filtering their drinking water is an important step. It can be difficult to understand the pros and cons of different filters. Reverse osmosis water filters can remove more pollutants than other types. What else do parents need to know about reverse-osmosis filters?
What contaminants are reverse osmosis water filters capable of removing from drinking water? Reverse osmosis filters filter contaminants out of drinking water by forcing them through tiny pores that block particles larger than water molecules.
They are often equipped with a carbon filter, which aids in initial purification and prolongs the life of the reverse-osmosis filter. The carbon filter reduces some contaminants that can’t be removed by reverse-osmosis byproducts or volatile organic compounds.
Reverse osmosis can reduce chemical contaminants that carbon filters are unable to effectively reduce.
- Nitrate can cause birth defects and, in higher amounts, can be toxic to babies.
- Perchlorate is a chemical that alters the function of the thyroid and causes brain damage in children.
- Arsenic is a poison that impairs children’s brain development, growth, and immune system.
- Hexavalent chrome can have harmful effects that are more common in children, including harm to the reproductive system, and an increased risk of developing cancer.
Reverse Osmosis can reduce other contaminants, such as lead which can harm children’s brain development, and toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS.
What About Fluoride And Minerals?
Reverse osmosis not only removes contaminants but also provides some essential minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. Reverse osmosis water is safe for food preparation. If you are concerned about mineral levels or simply enjoy the flavor of added minerals, mineral drops or a pitcher can be used to add them back.
These filters remove fluoride from water. It is becoming increasingly clear that too much fluoride can harm children’s brain development. Fluoride-containing toothpaste offers better dental benefits, including the prevention of tooth decay.
How To Choose The Best Water Filter
Start by researching your drinking water to find out which contaminants are present. Paragon Water System’s Tap Water Database has been updated. You can find out more about your water system and the contaminant health guidelines. Consider having your water tested if you have a private well.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at Paragon Water Systems. At Paragon Water Systems we are the Manufacturers of the best hi flow water filter! We know that the best product comes from the best materials. We manufacture home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, under sink water filtration systems, showerhead filtration systems, carbon cartridges, and a wide variety of other products. Our focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.