ACTIVATED CARBON
The most common filter in American kitchens.
Activated carbon has a huge surface area that grabs many chemicals as water passes through.
TYPES
Three common ones.
| Type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | Small households, no install |
| Faucet-mount | Filtered water on demand |
| Under-sink | More capacity, longer cartridge life |
CERTIFICATION
42 or 53?
NSF/ANSI 42 covers taste and chlorine. NSF/ANSI 53 covers health contaminants. Many pitchers are 42 only.
REPLACE ON TIME
An old cartridge stops working.
Carbon fills up. Replace cartridges on the schedule the product was certified for.
SOURCES
Where these facts come from.
QUESTIONS
Straight answers.
Do carbon filters remove lead?
Only if certified under NSF/ANSI 53 for lead.