Does your water have contaminants in it that you’re worried about. If so, you may be wondering, “What does Brita not filter out?”
Brita filters are unable to remove fluoride, bacteria, fungus, viruses, nitrates, hardness, arsenic, 1,4-dioxane, radium, and salt. They can partially address PFAS, glyphosate, pesticides, VOCs, and gasoline, while only certain Brita filters have the capability to remove lead and estrogen.
This article thoroughly examines the contaminants that Brita filters fail to remove. Additionally, it delves into substances that only a select few Brita filters can eliminate, as well as chemicals that are only partially removed by these filters.
You may be interested in my article – What Does a Brita Filter Remove – Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
Table of Contents
Are Brita Filters Safe?
Brita filters have gained popularity as an affordable and convenient method of improving the taste and quality of tap water. They are designed to remove several common contaminants, such as chlorine, lead, and copper, which can affect the water’s taste, odor, and overall safety. While Brita filters can effectively remove many impurities, they are not designed to remove all possible contaminants. In this article, we will explore what Brita filters do not filter out and discuss the implications of these limitations on the safety of your drinking water.
How Well Do Brita Filters Work
The following table summarizes the contaminants that Brita does not remove, those it partially removes, and those that only a few filters can treat.
| Category | Contaminants Not Filtered | Contaminants Partially Filtered | Contaminants Removed by Some Filters |
| Inorganic Chemicals & Pesticides | Arsenic, 1,4-dioxane | Glyphosate, Pesticides | Estrogen |
| Biological Pathogens | Bacteria, Fungus, Viruses | N/A | N/A |
| Minerals & Elements | Fluoride, Hardness, Salt, Mercury | N/A | Lead, Asbestos, Microplastics, Rust, Sediment, Dirt |
| Radioactive Elements | Radium | N/A | N/A |
| Nitrogen Compounds | Nitrates | N/A | N/A |
| Organic Compounds | Benzene | PFAS, VOCs, Gasoline | N/A |
What Does a Brita Not Filter Out?
Brita filters are commonly used to purify drinking water, and they are designed to remove a range of impurities. However, there are certain toxins that Brita filters may not remove effectively, such as asbestos and microplastics.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials in the past. When these materials deteriorate, they can release asbestos fibers into the air and water. While Brita filters can remove some larger particles, such as sand and sediment, they are not effective at removing microscopic asbestos fibers. Therefore, if your water supply is known to contain asbestos, a Brita filter may not be sufficient to remove it.
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be found in water sources due to the breakdown of plastic waste. While Brita filters are designed to remove chlorine, which can be harmful to ingest, they may not effectively remove microplastics. In fact, a study by Orb Media found that some popular water filter brands, including Brita, did not remove microplastics from tap water.
Fluoride
Brita filters do not remove fluoride from tap water. While fluoride is added to municipal water supplies to promote dental health, some people may prefer to remove it from their drinking water due to concerns about its potential health effects.
Bacteria, Fungus, Or Viruses
Brita filters are not designed to remove bacteria, fungus, or viruses from your water. These biological contaminants can cause illness, especially in people with compromised immune systems. If your water source is contaminated with these organisms, a more advanced filtration method, such as reverse osmosis or UV treatment, may be necessary.
Nitrates
Brita filters do not effectively remove nitrates, which can contaminate water supplies due to agricultural runoff and other sources. High levels of nitrates in drinking water can pose risks, particularly to infants and pregnant women.
Hardness
Water hardness, caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium, is not removed by Brita filters. Hard water can cause scaling on appliances and may affect the taste of your water. However, water hardness is generally not considered a health risk.
Arsenic
Brita filters do not remove arsenic, a toxic element that can contaminate groundwater in some regions. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water can lead to serious health problems.
1,4-dioxane
Brita filters do not remove 1,4-dioxane, a synthetic industrial chemical that can contaminate water supplies. Long-term exposure to this chemical has been linked to several health issues, including cancer.
Radium
Radium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, is not removed by Brita filters. Ingesting radium in drinking water can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Salt
Brita filters do not remove salt or sodium from your water, which can be an issue for people on sodium-restricted diets or in areas with high levels of naturally occurring salt in the water supply.
Contaminants Removed by Select Brita Filters
Lead
While some Brita filters are designed to reduce lead levels in water, the effectiveness of this removal can vary. Be sure to check the specific model you are considering for information on lead reduction capabilities.
Estrogen
Some Brita filters can partially remove estrogen, a hormone that can enter water supplies from human and animal waste or pharmaceuticals. However, the removal rate may not be sufficient to eliminate all estrogen-related concerns.
The difference between removing and reducing
Water filter companies typically provide a list of contaminants their filters can effectively remove. This indicates that the company’s filters either completely eliminate these particles or remove a specified percentage of them.
When a company states that its filters reduce contaminants, it means they do not entirely remove 100% of the contaminants. Instead, they significantly decrease the remaining amounts in an individual’s drinking water.
Brita asserts that its Longlast+ filter eliminates 99% of lead and effectively reduces the majority of other contaminants.
Contaminants That Brita Partially Removes
PFAS
Brita filters can partially remove PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are synthetic chemicals found in various products and can contaminate water supplies. However, the removal rate may not be sufficient to eliminate all concerns related to PFAS exposure.
VOCs and Gasoline
Brita filters can partially remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be found in gasoline and other products. These chemicals can enter water supplies through leaks or spills, and long-term exposure may have adverse health effects. However, the removal of VOCs by Brita filters may not be complete, so other filtration methods may be necessary for full protection.
Glyphosate and Pesticides
Brita filters can partially remove glyphosate and other pesticides, which can contaminate water supplies due to agricultural runoff. While reducing the levels of these contaminants can help improve water quality, Brita filters may not provide complete protection against all pesticide-related concerns.
Maintenance Is Critical to Brita Performance
To ensure your Brita filter continues to function effectively, proper maintenance is essential. Regularly replacing the filter cartridge according to the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial to maintain optimal performance. Additionally, cleaning the filter housing and pitcher will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants, further ensuring the safety and quality of your filtered water.
FAQs
How often should I replace my Brita filter?
Most Brita filters need to be replaced every two months or after filtering approximately 40 gallons (150 liters) of water. However, this can vary depending on your specific filter model, so be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can I use a Brita filter to purify water from natural sources like rivers and lakes?
No, Brita filters are designed to improve the quality of tap water, not to purify water from natural sources. For water purification in outdoor or emergency situations, consider using a specialized portable water filter or purification tablets. Read my article about using Brita filters to treat river water.
Can I use a Brita filter if I have a well?
Brita filters can be used to improve the taste and quality of well water. However, well water can contain contaminants not addressed by Brita filters. It’s essential to have your well water tested to determine if additional filtration or treatment is necessary.
Conclusion
While Brita filters can significantly improve the taste and quality of tap water by removing various contaminants, it’s important to understand that they are not designed to remove all potential impurities. To ensure the safety of your drinking water, be aware of the limitations of Brita filters and consider additional filtration methods if necessary. Regular maintenance of your Brita filter is also critical to maintaining optimal performance and water quality.
| Key Takeaways |
| – Brita filters do not remove all contaminants. |
| – Some contaminants are only partially removed, while others are not addressed at all. |
| – Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal filter performance. |
| – It’s essential to understand the limitations of Brita filters and consider additional filtration if needed. |