Carbon Filters

(This would include most fridge filters, GAC filters, Brita filters, etc.)

 

STAND ALONE CARBON SYSTEMS: Many cheap filtration systems are nothing more than simple cartridges with granulated or powered carbon (GAC) stuffed inside them. Powdered carbon cartridges are prone to channeling inside the cartridge, as water will always try to find the path of least resistance. Powdered felt pads are probably the least effective in removing contaminants as they become clogged with the finer particulate matter found in most water supplies if not used in conjunction with a high quality pre-filter.  Stand alone GAC filters are widely used to clean up bad tastes and odours, but one thing GAC cannot do is absorb bacteria. Unfortunately, bacteria will be physically trapped, along with the dirt in the carbon if it is packed into a cartridge. This is a highly undesirable condition.

BACTERIA: The major problem associated with carbon in any form is bacterial contamination. Wet activated carbon, richly infused with trapped organic matter, provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. High bacterial levels occur when the carbon is fully saturated and then let to stand [e.g., overnight]. As the water temperature inside the carbon cartridge rises, bacteria breeding escalates. Silver impregnated GAC does reduce the amount of bacterial growth that occurs, but even the silver can be overcome by the increased rate of growth. Granulated Carbon cannot hold onto bacteria, so when water flow is reintroduced a highly contaminated sample can be output. Bacteria gets into the GAC filter in the first place because disinfection at the water treatment plant does not guarantee the destruction of all bacteria. It is for this reason that many health officials consider GAC filters to be a potential health hazard. The EPA has concluded that carbon filters of any type, even those impregnated with silver show no significant bacteria reduction effect on drinking water. It is specifically for this reason that the CanAm Wellness ceramic ensures physical removal of bacteria by the ceramic wall before the water is allowed to come into contact with the inner stage carbon element.

The CanAm Wellness ‘Full spectrum’ candle then also uses silver to control bacteria growth on the outer wall of the candle.

BACTERIOSTATIC: The interpretation of this term is widely misused by the filter industry. A device may call itself bacteriostatic if it inhibits the further growth of bacteria within itself. That is to say that it safeguards itself from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria while water flow is stopped. The use of silver in a carbon filter will accomplish this, but it does not mean that the device will kill all or any bacteria flowing through the filter while in use. Bacteria should never be able to come in contact with carbon. For this reason the CanAm Wellness ‘Full Spectrum’ cartridges uses silver impregnated ceramic and a solid carbon block inner core for chemical and heavy metal removal. By far the simplest and most effective method of purification on the market.

 

Most carbon filters down to around 5 microns. But as they are a great absorber of chemicals, chlorine and bad taste, they are perfect to use in combination with the 0.2 micron purifying ceramics. Especially if the carbon has been compressed to a block. The solid carbon block in the CanAm Wellness Imperial ceramic is the equivalent in size to a football field as high as it is wide filled with sand and gravel. This is more media than what the City of Toronto uses for the entire city. Click HERE to read more about municipal treated water.