Microplastics have become a growing concern in recent years, as these tiny plastic particles are increasingly being found in our water supply. Many people turn to water filtration systems like Brita to improve the taste and quality of their drinking water. But do Brita filters actually remove microplastics? Let’s take a closer look.
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What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic, generally defined as being less than 5 millimeters in size. They can come from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and fibers from synthetic clothing. Microplastics have been found in both tap and bottled water around the world.
The health effects of consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, but there is concern that these particles could potentially cause harm if ingested. Some studies have suggested that microplastics may release toxic chemicals or accumulate in the body over time.
How Effective are Brita Filters at Removing Microplastics?
Brita offers a range of pitcher and faucet filtration systems that use activated carbon filters to reduce contaminants in drinking water. However, the effectiveness of these filters at removing microplastics depends on the specific model and type of filter used.
According to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, some activated carbon-based filters like those used by Brita have been proven effective at removing microplastic particles via granular filtration or adsorption. However, the study notes that filter performance can vary.
ConsumerLab, an independent testing organization, conducted a review of various water filter pitchers and found mixed results for microplastic removal:
- Brita removed nearly all microplastics
- Aquasan removed around 80%
- Pur removed around 30%
- ZeroWater actually increased microplastic levels by over 1000%
Notably, only Brita’s Elite filter is certified by NSF International under Standard 401 for microplastic reduction. Brita’s standard filters are not certified for removing microplastics. The Elite filter uses a finer mesh that allows it to trap smaller particles.
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Other Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure
While using a high-quality water filter can help reduce microplastics in your drinking water, there are additional steps you can take to minimize your overall exposure:
- Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable glass or stainless steel containers instead
- Choose clothing made from natural fibers over synthetics when possible
- Skip personal care products containing microbeads
- Support legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution
It’s also important to remember that while concerning, the levels of microplastics currently found in drinking water are quite low. Filtering your water provides an extra layer of protection, but exposure from water likely represents a small percentage of the average person’s total microplastic intake.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, Brita filters can potentially remove microplastics from drinking water, but effectiveness varies based on the model. Only Brita’s Elite filters are independently certified for microplastic reduction. Using a water filter is just one way to reduce your exposure to plastic particles. Making eco-friendly changes in your daily life can also have an impact.
No filter is perfect, and many common water contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, and fluoride are not removed by standard Brita filters. If you have specific water quality concerns, it’s best to have your water tested and choose a filtration system that meets your needs. However, for improving taste and reducing some impurities like chlorine and lead, Brita remains a popular choice.
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References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10054062/
[2] https://www.epicwaterfilters.com/blogs/quick-drips/does-brita-water-filter-pitcher-remove-microplastics
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/sustainability/comments/z4fnk6/water_filter_to_lessen_microplastics/
[4] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38925284
[5] https://mytapscore.com/blogs/tips-for-taps/what-do-brita-pitchers-filter-out