Yes, the Lifestraw filter water pitcher is capable of removing most microplastics from your drinking water. Its advanced filter design and powerful filtration system can remove up to 99.99% of microplastics, leaving clean, safe drinking water. The filters are made up of hollow fiber membranes that are small enough to block out microplastics.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter. They come from various sources including cosmetic and personal care products, clothing and carpets made with polyester or acrylic fibers, insecticides and fertilizers used by farmers, and packaging materials like straws and bubble wrap.
Sources Plastic Particles In Our Water
- Microplastics can enter the water cycle through the runoff of plastic packaging material used in industries and households.
- Many microplastics are broken-down particles of larger items, such as water bottles, that have been exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
- Microplastics are also used in a variety of industrial processes and can become airborne or land on bodies of water near factories.
How Does Lifestraw Water Filter Pitcher Remove Microplastics From Water?
Lifestraw water filter pitcher uses a combination of activated carbon and nano-filtration membranes to remove microplastics from water. The activated carbon effectively traps most organic compounds, chlorine, and other chemicals, while the nano-filtration membrane filters out microscopic particles like bacteria, protozoa and cysts.
Benefits Of The Lifestraw Pitcher Water Filter
- It comes in a glass version.
- Easy to fill and store.
- Removes bad stuff, including PFAS, glyphosate, chlorine, and other “forever chemicals”.
- 96.7% lead removal rate; 99.999999% removal for Bacteria, 99.999% for parasites/amoebas/cysts, and 99.999% for microplastics.
- Retains essential minerals, making it a healthier option than distilled water or reverse osmosis systems.
- Features an indicator light that lets you know when the filter needs replacing.
- Easy to set up, use and maintain. No plumbing or additional tools are necessary.
- Eco-friendly and Filters are BPA-free.
- The Lifestraw Pitcher is an affordable, effective way to obtain clean water without the hassle of other filtering systems.
- 0.2-micron pore size for ultrafine filtration technology.
- Long-lasting filter that can last up to 2 months or 40 gallons.
- Compatible with other Lifestraw products. The pitcher is also compatible with the Lifestraw Go and Flex Bottles, allowing you to take clean water on the go.
- Certified by WHO (World Health Organization) as a safe product for drinking water.
- The filter is certified by NSF International to reduce lead, mercury, and other metals from drinking water.
- Backed by a 1-year warranty. If you experience any issues with the pitcher, it is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Water Filters That Remove Microplastics From Water
Reverse Osmosis Filter: A reverse osmosis filter is a type of filtration system that uses pressure to force water through a membrane, trapping contaminants and allowing clean water to pass through. This type of filter is extremely effective at removing microplastics from water, as the size of the pores in the membrane is very small.
The reverse osmosis filter is one of the best way to remove microplastics from your drinking water is to use a dedicated filter with a pore size of fewer than 0.1 micrometers (0.0001 mm or 100 nm). They can reduce the presence of microplastics in your water by up to 99.99%. The system can also remove other contaminants like bacteria, lead.
Nano Filters: Nano filters are a type of filter that uses nano-sized pores to remove contaminants from water. These filters are extremely effective at removing even the most microscopic particles, including microplastics, from water. However, these systems can be expensive and require regular maintenance in order to remain effective.
Different Kinds Of Plastics Make Up Microplastics, Including
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): This type of plastic is most commonly used in food and beverage packaging.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This type of plastic is often found in bottles, containers, toys, and more.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): This type of plastic is used to make shopping bags, packaging materials, and more.
Polypropylene (PP): This type of plastic is used in food containers, medical supplies, and more.
Polystyrene (PS): This type of plastic is often found in disposable cups, food containers, and more.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): This type of plastic is often found in packaging, pipes, and flooring products.
Polyamide Fibers (nylon): This type of plastic is often found in clothing, furniture, and carpets.
Potential Health Risks Associated With Microplastics
- Microplastics can contain various chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals have been linked to several health issues, including an increased risk of cancer and reproductive problems.
- Ingesting microplastics has also been linked to digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Microplastics have been linked to respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies.
- Oxidative stress occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of free radicals, which can be found in plastics. These free radicals can cause damage to cells and DNA, leading to various health problems.
- Inflammation is the body’s response to foreign substances, such as microplastics. The body responds by producing inflammatory chemicals, which can lead to health problems over time if not properly managed.
- Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the body. These chemicals can be found in plastics and have been linked to reproductive issues, cancer, and other health problems.
What Are Drinking Water Standards For Microplastics?
The EPA does not currently have any enforceable drinking water standards for microplastics, though the agency is actively researching the issue. In 2019, the EPA published the Microplastics Pollution Control Framework to guide its research and development of regulatory programs for microplastics in both wastewater and drinking water. The framework outlines five core elements that are necessary for the effective control of microplastics: source reduction, monitoring and sampling, removal technologies, regulations and standards, and deployment programs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that drinking water should contain less than 10 µg/L of microplastics.
How Do You Test For Microplastics In Drinking Water?
Microplastics can be detected with a special microscope. To test for microplastics, samples of water are put under the microscope and any particles that measure less than 5mm in size are considered to be microplastics. Samples may also be tested with an analysis technique called Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). This type of analysis identifies the unique chemical signature of microplastics based on their interaction with light.
FAQs
How Much Tap Water Is Contaminated With Microplastic In The US?
Microplastics have been found in 95 % of US tap water.
What Is The Size Of Microplastics?
Microplastics are classified as plastic fragments that are less than five millimeters in length.
What Is The Size Of Nano Plastics?
Nanoplastics are even smaller than microplastics and measure less than 0.1 micrometers in size.
How To Reduce Microplastics In The Environment?
- Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible
- Reuse and recycle items that can’t be avoided
- Educate yourself on the dangers of microplastics
- Support organizations that are working to reduce plastic pollution
- Dispose of the trash correctly by using proper waste management practices
- Avoid purchasing products with microbeads and other microplastics
- Support businesses that have policies to reduce plastic waste
Does Boiling Water Remove Microplastics?
Boiling water does not remove microplastics from drinking water.
Does Distilling Water Remove Microplastics?
Yes, distilling water can remove most microplastics from drinking water. The process of distillation involves boiling the water and capturing the steam that is released. The steam is condensed to form distilled water that does not contain microplastics.
Does Ultraviolet Light Reduce Microplastics?
Yes, exposure to ultraviolet light has been found to reduce the levels of microplastics in drinking water. However, this method is expensive and not widely used.
Why Are Microplastics Harmful?
Microplastics are dangerous because they can enter our bodies through the food and water we consume. Once inside, these particles can cause inflammation, hormone disruption, and other health problems. Microplastics have been found to be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
Conclusion
The LifeStraw Water Filter Pitcher is a great option for those looking to reduce their exposure to microplastics. Whether you’re just looking to make your tap water a bit safer or have a more serious concern about microplastics, the LifeStraw Water Filter Pitcher is an excellent choice. With its superior filtration capabilities and convenient design, it’s the perfect way to ensure that your drinking water is as safe and clean as possible.
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