Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly added to public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. However, many people are concerned about the potential health risks associated with consuming fluoride, such as dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and thyroid dysfunction. As a result, there is a growing demand for water filtration systems that can effectively remove fluoride from drinking water.
One popular option is Clearly Filtered, a company that offers a range of water filtration products, including pitchers, bottles, and shower filters. According to the company’s website, their filters use Affinity Filtration Technology to remove up to 99.99% of contaminants, including fluoride, lead, chlorine, and pharmaceuticals.
But does Clearly Filtered actually live up to its claims when it comes to removing fluoride? In this article, we will take a closer look at the science behind fluoride filtration and examine the evidence to determine whether Clearly Filtered is a reliable option for those looking to reduce their exposure to this controversial mineral.
Read my article – Expert Recommendations: Pitcher Water Filters That Remove Fluoride.
Table of Contents
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is added to public water supplies in many countries, including the United States, to help prevent tooth decay. While fluoride is beneficial in small amounts, excessive exposure to fluoride can be harmful to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water at 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Fluoride can be found in many sources, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and certain foods and drinks. It is also present in varying levels in most public water supplies. While fluoride is added to public water supplies in many countries, it is not added in some European countries such as Finland, Germany, and Sweden.
Excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which causes discoloration and pitting of the teeth. In severe cases, excessive fluoride exposure can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a condition that affects the bones and joints.
How do Clearly Filtered Filters Work?
Clearly Filtered uses a unique Affinity Filtration Technology that removes up to 99.9% of contaminants from water. This technology works by attracting and bonding contaminants to the filter media. The contaminants are then trapped in the filter, leaving clean and safe water for consumption.
Unlike other water filters that rely on activated carbon or reverse osmosis, Clearly Filtered filters use a combination of activated carbon, ion exchange, and adsorption to remove contaminants. This combination allows for a more thorough and effective filtration process.
Here’s a breakdown of how each filtration stage works:
- Stage 1 – Activated Carbon: Removes chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and other organic compounds that affect the taste and odor of water.
- Stage 2 – Ion Exchange: Removes heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, as well as fluoride.
- Stage 3 – Adsorption: Removes pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other contaminants that may be harmful to health.
Clearly Filtered filters are also tested and certified by independent third-party laboratories to ensure their effectiveness. These certifications include NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401, which test for the reduction of contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides.
Overall, Clearly Filtered filters use a combination of advanced filtration technologies to provide safe and clean drinking water for consumers. With their unique Affinity Filtration Technology and third-party certifications, consumers can feel confident in the effectiveness of their filters.
Check out this video about how well the Clearly Filtered pitcher filter removes fluoride.
Do Clearly Filtered Filters Remove Fluoride?
So, do Clearly Filtered filters remove fluoride from drinking water? Yes, Clearly Filtered’s pitcher filter removes all fluoride from water.
Testing and Certification
Clearly Filtered uses Affinity Filtration Technology to remove fluoride and over 270 other contaminants from water. According to a test conducted by the fluoride meter, Clearly Filtered CAN remove fluoride. The test showed that fluoride levels were reduced from 0.6 ppm before filtering to 0.0 ppm after filtering. Additionally, Clearly Filtered products are certified by NSF International, an independent third-party organization that tests and certifies products for public health and safety.
Filter Lifespan and Replacement
The lifespan of a Clearly Filtered filter depends on the amount of water it filters and the level of contaminants in the water. On average, a filter can last up to 100 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first. Clearly Filtered recommends replacing the filter every 6 months to maintain the best performance. The replacement filter can be purchased directly from Clearly Filtered’s website or from authorized retailers.
Alternative Fluoride Removal Methods
There are alternative methods to remove fluoride from water, including reverse osmosis, distillation, and activated alumina.
Reverse osmosis is a process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants from water. Distillation is a process that boils water and collects the steam, leaving behind contaminants. Read my article on removing fluoride from drinking water with RO.
Activated alumina is a type of filter media that attracts and binds fluoride ions. While these methods can effectively remove fluoride, they can also be expensive and require more maintenance than a Clearly Filtered filter.
FAQs
Do Brita Filters remove fluoride?
No, Brita filters are not specifically designed to remove fluoride from drinking water. Brita filters primarily use activated carbon to remove impurities such as chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from tap water. While some Brita filters may be able to remove a small amount of fluoride, their main purpose is not to target fluoride specifically.
Do refrigerator filters remove fluoride?
Refrigerator filters vary in their capacity to remove fluoride from drinking water. Some refrigerator filters may be able to remove some amount of fluoride, depending on the specific type of filter used in the refrigerator. However, most refrigerator filters are primarily designed to remove chlorine, sediment, and other common impurities found in tap water.
Conclusion
Clearly Filtered is a highly effective water filtration system that can remove fluoride from your drinking water. According to the fluoride meter, Clearly Filtered can remove fluoride with a 99.5% effectiveness. It is ranked as the #1 pitcher at filtering fluoride from tap water.
While some water filters are designed specifically for removing fluoride, Clearly Filtered is capable of removing a wide range of contaminants from your drinking water, including lead, chlorine, and pesticides. It is a great option for those who want to ensure that their drinking water is clean and safe.
It is important to note that not all filters are capable of removing fluoride from water. Brita filters, for example, do not remove fluoride. If you are looking for a water filtration system that can remove fluoride, Clearly Filtered is a great option to consider.
Overall, if you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, investing in a high-quality water filtration system like Clearly Filtered is a smart choice. It can help remove a wide range of contaminants from your drinking water, including fluoride, and provide you and your family with clean, safe, and great-tasting water.