When considering filters for home water filtration, there's a misconception of equivalency amongst them. Just because you may have noticed that the taste of your water has improved after filtration, you could incorrectly assume that all contaminants have been removed as well. While most standard carbon filters do a great job at improving taste and removing many contaminants, a critical distinction with a carbon filter is that it does NOT Completely eliminate fluoride ions.

If you're concerned with the amount of fluoride in your drinking water, it is essential to understand the difference between a water filter system that removes fluoride and a basic carbon filter. Let's discuss this with clarity.

First: What Does a Regular Carbon Filter Actually Do?

Carbon filters (also known as activated carbon filters) are very popular in many different types of filters, such as Gravity Water Filters, pitchers, refrigerator filters, and under-the-sink units.

They are an effective means of:

• Removing chlorine

• Improving the Taste and Odour
  

• Removing some Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Carbon filters operate primarily through the process of adsorption (adsorbing), where harmful contaminants adhere to the outside surface of activated porous carbon.

However, the primary limitation is that fluoride ions are extremely small with negligible solubility. Because of this, basic or standard activated carbon cannot effectively capture fluoride, which means fluoride will remain largely unaffected by the majority of standard filtration systems on the market today.

This is where the conversation around fluoride removal filter vs carbon filter becomes important.

Why Fluoride Is Difficult to Remove

As a negatively charged ion (F⁻), fluoride is small enough that it is chemically stable and unable to adhere to most filtration media.

Public water systems must meet a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/L fluoride as set by the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L be maintained in public water systems to reduce cavities.

However, fluoride exposure occurs from sources other than water: fluoridated toothpaste, processed beverages, and dental treatments. For families looking for greater control over their fluoride exposure, a water filter system that removes fluoride becomes a meaningful option.

In order to remove fluoride, special media must be used. The types of media used in water filtration systems designed to remove fluoride use more advanced adsorption chemistry than standard carbon filtration systems do.

Fluoride Removal Filters: Engineered for a Specific Purpose

Fluoride Removal systems are different from simple carbon systems because they have a higher level of technology associated with fluoride removal.

Fluoride removal media may use one or more of the following types of materials:

• Activated alumina;

• Specialized mined mineral blends;

• Advanced composite media;

• Nano-structured adsorbent materials.

This technology is where nano adsorption fluoride technology comes into play—these nano-scale materials have the ability to increase the surface area of the filters and also increase the ability of the filters to attract and hold fluoride ions, compared to traditional carbon media.

A water filter system that removes fluoride is specifically designed to remove fluoride ions while also removing other contaminants.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Fluoride Removal  Filter vs Carbon Filter

When evaluating a fluoride removal filter vs carbon filter, the biggest distinction is purpose. The carbon filter is a general improvement to water tasting or smelling better. Fluoride removal filters are specific tools designed to reduce fluoride in drinking water.

Why This Matters for American Households

In the USA, fluoride has been added to community drinking water since 1945 (starting in Grand Rapids, Michigan). Increased use of fluoride in drinking water has led to a national fluoridation program. CDC has named the addition of fluoride to community drinking water as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.

More people are aware of fluoride and how much fluoride is in their drinking water now than at any time in the past. Many families are also concerned that they will have flexibility in their overall fluoride intake—particularly as it relates to young children. A water filter system that removes fluoride will provide that flexibility.

Phoenix Gravity Water Filters: Filtration With Intention

We here at Phoenix Gravity Water Filters believe that water filtration should be powerful and convenient. Our gravity-fed water filter systems are specifically designed for American homes to provide the following:

• No use of electricity

• No plumbing

• No complexity

• High output

• Fluoride reduction specific capability
  
  

The Science Behind Nano Adsorption Fluoride Technology

Removing fluoride requires careful consideration of the surface chemistry involved. Fluoride removal can be achieved through nano adsorption fluoride processes because the porous nature of the filtration media allows for:

• Increasing the reactive surface area

• Increasing the ion exchange capacity

• Increasing the electrostatic attraction

• Extending the length of the filtration cycle

In essence, an increase in surface area provides an increased opportunity to capture the fluoride ion. The result is a difference between a system designed to improve the flavor of the water and a water filter system that removes fluoride over an extended period of time.

When Should You Consider a Fluoride Removal Filter?

Your water quality report shows fluoride levels that are approaching the upper limits of what is recommended.

You have a private or well water supply located in an area with a high concentration of fluoride.

• You are attempting to decrease the accumulated exposure to fluoride

• You have children who are developing

• You have confirmed that your current filtration unit does not remove fluoride.
  

Final Thoughts

Carbon Water Filters make water taste good, and they reduce chlorine in the water. However, to reduce fluoride levels in drinking water, you need something other than carbon filters. Knowing the differences between a fluoride removal filter vs carbon filter will help you filter water properly for your family.

Contact Phoenix Gravity Water Filters today. Our mission is all about clarity, functionality & control. If you want to have access to a reliable water filter system that removes fluoride, then you should get a water filter that was designed specifically for that purpose.

Because clean water shouldn’t be based on guesswork; it should be based on sound engineering.