Using an activated carbon water filter is the best method to reduce toxic by-products of chlorinated water according to a report from Quebec Canada.
Researchers in Quebec City tested levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), the two major toxic chlorine by-products, in tap water in several households. Then each sample was either boiled, stored in a refridgerator, or ran through an activated carbon filter to determine how well each method reduced the toxic compounds.
Activated carbon filters reduced THMs by 92 percent compared to only a 87 percent reduction for boiling and 30 percent reduction for storing for 48 hours.
HAAs were reduced by 66 percent when filtered through activated carbon, whereas boiling and storing had no effect on levels of this compound.
For those interested in the efficacy of carbon filters, this study supports their use. Even a disposable activated carbon filter is adequate, and there is no need to rush out and buy the expensive model to start protecting yourself today.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 6, 2006 02:36 PM
