Berkey water filters are versatile gravity-fed systems designed for use in multiple situations. From filtering tap water and lake water to freshwater from lakes, rivers, or ponds; their easy operation requires no installation or connection with an existing water line system.
Black Berkey elements in these systems effectively remove PFAS chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS; however, they lack official NSF/ANSI certification – possibly leading to their banning by California.
PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a family of chemicals with tight bonds between fluorine and carbon atoms, are found in many products including firefighting foams, stain resistant carpeting and dental floss. Leakage from landfills has also caused problems, with ulcerative colitis, testicular cancer, thyroid disease and low birth weight being among them.
EWG conducted tests utilizing the Travel Berkey system with Black Berkey elements and it successfully removed 100% of PFAS chemicals – such as PFOA and PFOS which are widely considered “forever chemicals.” While more expensive than other filters Mamavation tested, its larger capacity and exceptionally long filter lifespan of over eight years make up for any additional expense.
PFOA
PFOA is a long-chain perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). It is widely used to produce nonstick cookware and firefighting foams, while it also occurs naturally in the environment and seeps into groundwater sources. Unfortunately, its presence remains persistent in both environments and humans – studies have confirmed its penetration through skin pores.
An investment in a water filter capable of filtering out PFASs can be invaluable, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems. One such system, Black Berkey Filters are effective at removing harmful substances like PFOA and PFOS from drinking water while maintaining and replacing filters as regularly as needed.
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is an organic compound with the formula (CH)CH that was widely used as an etching agent for photoresists, firefighting foam surfactant, and in other applications. PFOS can be found throughout nature including sediment and sewage sludge deposits as well as being linked to health effects in humans such as kidney disease.
The EWG conducted extensive tests on free-standing filters and found that the Travel Berkey system – which looks like a large metal countertop urn and comes in various sizes – significantly reduces PFAS chemicals while simultaneously filtering out other pollutants such as heavy metals, pharmaceutical contaminants, trihalomethanes, petroleum chemicals, radiologicals and more.
Fluoride
Fluoride is an abundantly available mineral used in many dental products to strengthen enamel and reduce cavities. Fluoride has also been added to public water supplies in the US; however, research shows that too much fluoride could be detrimental to human health.
The Berkey water filter is an excellent option for travelers and preppers, as its easy use doesn’t require electricity or plumbing – plus it removes more contaminants than other filters (PFAS/PFOS etc). Unfortunately, its one drawback is being difficult to clean properly while its other disadvantage is being expensive.
Arsenic
Arsenic is an element found naturally in seafood, tobacco products and industrial chemicals. Organic compounds of arsenic have not been linked with cancer and tend to be less harmful; however inorganic forms like Scheele’s Green (cupric hydrogen arsenate and acidic copper arsenate) and lead arsenate have been recognized carcinogens.
Our water filters utilize “Arsenic Boost” technology that effectively decreases arsenic levels in drinking water. For high-use households, larger units offer even greater arsenic reduction. These physical/chemical cycle systems utilize resin beds with particles from passing water that exchange particles through it for those contained within the bed itself – softening water while simultaneously eliminating iron, manganese, nitrates, and arsenic concentrations are reduced with this innovative system.
Lead
Lead is a soft and toxic metal that seeps into drinking water through corrosion-prone pipes and fixtures, often from public water services as well as household plumbing systems. Therefore, to protect your family against this danger the most effective way is with a Berkey water filter system.
CBS News featured this gravity-fed filtration system in their story about EWG’s PFAS test, boasting an outstanding removal rate for GenX, PFBS, PFOA, and PFOS contamination. Utilizing its Black Berkey elements which have the ability to significantly decrease PFAS concentration levels below MDL limits – such as GenX, PFBS, PFOA and PFOS contamination levels are reduced well below what would normally be acceptable levels.
Not only can it filter for PFAS, it can also remove chlorine, arsenic and various other chemicals – making it the perfect choice for nomads and preppers who require powerful emergency filtration in a portable format.
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