Trihalomethanes (THM) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water. Trihalomethanes are chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. The maximum contaminant limit (MCL) for TTHM as per US EPA is 80 parts per billion (ppb).
The levels of TTHM generally increase in the summer months due to the warmer temperatures but can also be affected by seasonal changes in source water quality or by changing amounts of disinfection added. Water systems often can experience temporary increases in TTHM due to short-term increases in chlorine disinfection. Chlorine disinfection increases can occur when there is a water main break, when water systems are under repair, or when there is a potential microbial (example: bacteria) problem or threat. Based on the available information, long term consumption of TTHM in drinking water above the MCL may increase the risk of certain types of cancer (e.g., bladder, colon, and rectal) and other adverse effects in some people. The degree of risk for these effects will depend on the TTHM level and the duration of exposure. This article describes product specifications for EPIC PURE home water pitcher filter.
How can Activated Carbon Filters help?
TTHM in drinking water can be removed using Activated Carbon filters. There are many types of home water filters using activated carbon filtration technology – under sink, whole-house, refrigerator filters, pitcher filters, faucet filters, etc. Pitcher filters are popular in single family homes with 1-4 people per household. Pitcher filters are most convenient to use and do not include any complications with installation and maintenance of cartridges unlike faucet filters and whole-house filters. The EPIC PURE pitcher filter has been tested and certified by NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, 401, & P473 for contaminant reduction. Each filter is capable of purifying 150 gallons (568 liters) of water. Thus, the EPIC PURE Pitcher is also a great economic and environmental-friendly choice.
The table below summarizes the product specifications and reduction claims.
Note that a complete list of contaminants removed by the EPIC PURE filter can be found on their website.
The EPIC PURE Pitcher includes one Pure Filter that has an average life of around three to four months. Filter life varies based on your average daily use and the quality of the customers’ municipal tap water. If the tap water is relatively heavily contaminated, the filter works harder to keep the water clean, which will decrease the life of the filter. The Pure Pitcher also comes with a LED timer integrated into the lid to remind the customers when it is time to change the filter.
Home water filters using activated carbon technology is one of the most efficient and cost-effective means to remove TTHMs in drinking water. Additionally, to reduce overall TTHM exposure risk, customers should:
- Ventilate the bathroom when bathing or showering.
- Operate room exhaust fans or ventilate room (open window) when boiling water, washing with hot water, or running the dishwasher.
- Reduce the length of showers and baths.
- Reduce the temperature on hot water heaters.
- Limit time spent in or around chlorinated pools or hot tubs.
experts can provide additional clarification and information on the risks associated with TTHM exposure and different treatment techniques and home water filters that can be used to treat and minimize TTHM exposure.
REFERENCES
Disinfection Byproducts Rule: EPA
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tthm-in-drinking-water-information-for-consumers#:~:text=What%20are%20TTHM%3F,the%20water%20into%20the%20air.
https://water-research.net/index.php/trihalomethanes-disinfection
https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/contaminant.php?contamcode=2950#
https://www.epicwaterfilters.com/pages/tthm-total-trihalomethanes-tthms-water-filter
Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher | Removes Fluoride
