Reverse Osmosis Water Purification

Reverse Osmosis filtration cleans water by taking out the totally dissolved solids (TDS) which contaminate the water. Although city water treatment removes the dirt and debris and adds chlorine to prevent the spread of diseases, it does not remove the dissolved solids from the water. And with the increasing pollution of our surface and ground water with contaminants such as lead, mercury, and chromium-6, as well as the naturally occurring harmful contaminants such as arsenic, fluorides, and sulfides found in some areas of the country, it is more important than ever to have a way to remove these contaminants at the point of use.

Reverse Osmosis membranes used in water filtration systems can on average, remove 95% of dissolved contaminants from water. (See table at right.) Only 1% of the city water entering the home is used for drinking and cooking – about 2-3 gallons per day –  where the average home uses 300 gallons per day or more. So it makes sense to clean just the water needed for drinking and cooking at home. City water is available at the home from already-installed water mains and has the required pressure of 60 to 75 psi to make the reverse osmosis system work.

Osmosis is a naturally occurring process in human and animal membranes. Salts in the body fluids build up osmotic pressure, forcing water molecules through the living membranes in our bodies. In under-sink reverse osmosis systems, pressure from the city water overcomes the “salt” pressure of the dissolved materials and forces the water molecules through a synthetic thin film membrane, leaving the dissolved salts behind. The city water enters the membrane filter element, and two streams leave; the clean water and the water containing the dissolved solid residue, called brine, which is discarded to the drain. On the comparative chart below, reverse osmosis removes the smallest of materials, from 1-micron down to 1- Angstrom. For materials larger than 1-micron, particle filters are used ahead of the RO membrane to prevent plugging of the tiny membrane pores.

Typical Reverse Osmosis Contaminant Removal Rates

Aluminum 86% Arsenic 94% Barium 96% Bicarbonate 90% Borate 30% Bromide 87% Cadmium 96% Calcium 94% Chloride 87% Chromate 86% Chromium 96% Copper 98% Cyanide 86% Detergent 97% Ferrocyanide 98% Flouride 87% Herbicides 97% Insectecides 97% Lead 97% Magnesium 96%

Manganese 95% Mercury 96% Nickel 98% Nitrate 80% PCBs 97% Perchlorate 96% Phosphate 96% Potassium 87% Radium 80% Selenium 94% Silicate 85% Silver 93% Sodium 87% Spores 99.9% Strontium 96% Sulfate 97% Thiosulfate 96% Zinc 98% Factory Tests at 65psi and 77F. Actual rates may vary.

Click here for our Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Systems…

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The Importance of Water Purification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the amazing modern standards of safety and cleanliness that we enjoy in the world today, there is unfortunately still no guarantee that the water from your tap is safe or healthy to drink. And the data on water contamination make that fact all too clear.

The only way you can be sure that the water you are drinking is clean, healthy, and safe, is by taking measures yourself to guarantee good drinking water for you and your loved ones. As you’ll see from the following information, purified drinking water is still essential today.

The Town with Brown Water (2017)

In a May 2017 report by a Missouri Fox affiliate, entitled, “Town with brown water has no record of cleaning its water tower,” the local news station asked readers:

“Imagine brown water from your faucet or a tub that filled up with what looked like acid water. It’s not unusual for people to see it in one small Missouri town that has ignored critical maintenance.

Water towers are often the most visible part of where your water comes from, but Fox 2 News found it’s the first thing many utilities neglect. Missouri residents have died from dirty water towers, yet the state has no requirement for cleaning them.”

The state of Missouri has no statute on the books requiring cleaning of city water supply storage tanks. Most other states don’t either. And the consequences are potentially fatal.

When the city of Leadwood, Missouri hired Ron Perrin’s Water Technologies company to inspect and clean its water tower for the first time in 17 years, what he found was a few inches of sediment in the tank. Perrin said: “There’s no rule saying they have to do something. It’s easy to get put off.”

Deaths Caused by No Water Regulations

Perrin showed the local news the video his team took and told them

“Here we’re looking at a few inches of sediment. Most tanks we inspect have three inches or less, but every once in a while we find a facility that has feet instead of inches. You never know what you have until you look… even viruses can make home in the sediment.”

The EPA has already documented seven deaths caused by dirty water in another Missouri city’s water tank in Gideon, Missouri in 1995 after “pigeon droppings on the tank roof were carried into the tank by wind and rain through a gap in the roof hatch.” The EPA also documented “44% of the city’s residents were affected by diarrhea.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources studied the state’s water supply problem in 2006 and issued a report warning that “25 percent or more of tanks may be contaminated.”

PFCs Pollute Tap Water for 15 Million People (2017)

If it’s not 17 years’ worth of sediment in your city water supply’s water tower, or pigeon droppings and deadly viruses, it can be toxic chemicals used by American industries that end up contaminating the water table and finding their way into the water that comes from your tap.

PFCs (or Perfluorinated Chemicals) are manufactured chemical compounds that make products we use every day more resistant to stains, grease, and water. The National Institutes of Health gives some more insight:

“For example, PFCs may be used to keep food from sticking to cookware, to make sofas and carpets resistant to stains, to make clothes and mattresses more waterproof, and may also be used in some food packaging, as well as in some firefighting materials. Because they help reduce friction, they are also used in a variety of other industries, including aerospace, automotive,building and construction, and electronics.”

The trouble with PFCs is they break down very slowly in the environment, and the half life of PFCs in the human body— the time it takes for 50% of the chemicals to be eliminated— is several years.

The Damage Caused by PFCs in Your Water

During that time these highly fluorinated toxic chemicals can wreak havoc on your health. They have been linked to increased risk for cancer, thyroid disease, weakened immunity, and other health problems.

In June 2017 the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Northeastern University in Boston published research detailing the extent of PFC contamination in tap water supplies, finding that the chemical affects the drinking water of 15 million Americans in 27 states from more than four dozen industrial and military sources from Maine to California.

A Nationwide Problem

EWG and the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern collaborated to create an interactive map of the water crisis based on federal drinking water data and information on all publicly documented cases of PFAS pollution from manufacturing plants, military air bases, civilian airports and fire training sites.

On the map, the blue circles mark public water systems in which PFC contamination has been detected and documented. The size of the circle indicates the number of people served by the system. The total area of the blue circles represents 15 million Americans drinking from water supplies that have been contaminated with PFCs. The red dots mark the sources of contamination on Northeastern’s PFAS Contamination Site Tracker.

It’s Up to You

Just as there are no requirements in most states for city water supplies to inspect and clean their water storage tanks at regular intervals, there are no federal regulations or requirements for cities to maintain water supplies with PFCs below a certain level. Instead there is only a non-binding EPA health advisory level, and many experts think it’s still too high.

Keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy as you drink from city water supplies is clearly a responsibility that has been left up to you alone. Like many other potentially harmful organic chemicals, as well as protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, PFCs can be easily removed from the water in your home with a water purifier.
These large molecules tumble into the purifier and get trapped inside, filtering them out of your water and leaving you with what you came to your tap for: Just water

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How to Properly Size Portable Room Air Conditioners

How many BTU’s Do I Need for My Room?

This chart may help you determine what size portable air conditioner shop for. A word of caution: don’t buy an air conditioner that’s too large. An oversized air conditioner is actually less effective – and can waste valuable energy at the same time. Because portable air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air, an oversized unit will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This will leave your room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will effectively remove humidity as it cools.

To figure out which size Air Conditioner is best for your cooling needs:

1. Determine the square footage of the area to be cooled using the following formulas:

• For square and rectangular rooms, multiply the length of the area by its width – L x W
• For a triangular area, multiply the length of the area by the width and divide by 2 – L x W / 2

2. Using the square footage and the chart below, determine the correct cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.

Area To Be Cooled (square feet)	Capacity Needed (BTU’s per Hour)
100 to 150	5,000
150 to 250	6,000
250 to 300	7,000
300 to 350	8,000
350 to 400	9,000
400 to 450	10,000
450 to 550	12,000
500 to 700	14,000
700 to 1,000	18,000

3. Make any adjustments for the following circumstances:

• If the room is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10 percent.
• If the room is very sunny, increase capacity by 10 percent.
• If more than two people regularly occupy the room, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
• If the unit is used in a kitchen, increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs.
• Consider where you install the unit. If you are mounting an air conditioner near the corner of a room, look for a unit that can send the airflow in the right direction.

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The Art of Hydration

With the summer months just around the corner, don’t forget the importance of healthy hydration to overall wellness. Whether you’re exercising, playing sports, gardening outdoors, or even taking a brief walk in the summer heat, don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Let’s discuss a few droplets of hydration information to keep your body happy and healthy!

Why Hydration Is Important?

Drinking enough water can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight, keep your mind clear and alert, improve your mood, and keep all of your vital organs functioning at their very best. After all, our bodies are over two-thirds water!

Water is also important for circulation, is a transport material for nutrients and active cells, a shock absorber for joints, and a solvent involved in many of the body’s metabolic pathways.

Additionally, drinking enough water is essential for a happy heart. Heart disease is the number one cause of mortality in the United States. If you’re drinking enough water, your heart doesn’t have to work nearly as hard.

How Much Water to Drink…

Most health professionals have confirmed that healthy adults should get 30 to 50 ounces of water every day. That’s about 1 to 1.5 liters. Make sure to watch your water, and drink 5 eight ounce glasses each day. Count your glasses!

It’s also important to remember that as we age further into adulthood, we also lose our sense of thirst and don’t notice we are thirsty as often as we did when we were younger. That could be a problem for anyone who is on a medication that may cause fluid loss.

Best Ways to Stay Hydrated…

The best way to stay properly hydrated is to drink a glass of pure, filtered water. Water is the beverage of benefits. Be sure to always drink filtered water to avoid the toxins and chemicals that can be found in tap water.

Here are three words of water wisdom!

1. Begin the day with a full glass of water! Get the day off to a refreshing start.
2. Are you really hungry? Remember, before you extend your hand to a delicious snack within two hours of previously eating, it could be your body telling you that you’re thirsty. Try gulping a glass of water and waiting a few minutes to decide if that does the trick.
3. Nibble on water-filled foods: In addition to drinking water or the occasional beverage, many foods are very hydrating, including foods like hamburger, chicken, and soups; celery, cucumbers, and lettuce; and grapes, grapefruit, and the aptly-named watermelon.

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Top Tips for Reducing Fall Allergies

March winds and April showers bring about May’s flowers, and along with them: airborne allergens that cause sneezing, coughing, sinus headaches, runny noses, and itchy, watery eyes. Eek!

It’s that time of year again, and if you suffer from this terrible affliction, you’re definitely not alone.

Allergens and Their Effects

Researchers believe around 50 million Americans suffer from nasal allergies every year.

This number is only increasing, affecting three in ten adults and four out of ten children. Allergic disease is the fifth leading chronic disease in the US among all age groups.

The culprits are dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold and mildew, formaldehyde (it’s in everything), volatile organic compounds, and smoke from tobacco and candles.

 

Allergy Medicine Side Effects

Short of throwing up your hands in defeat and planning your move to the deserts of Arizona where pesky allergens aren’t as common, there seems to be little allergy-sufferers can do but soldier on through the discomfort.

Most treatments for allergies have side effects that are just as irritating as having allergies!

• Antihistamines can make it tough to stay awake or focus.
• Pseudoephedrine, on the other hand, can cause jitters and nervousness, and make it difficult to fall asleep.
• Other nasal decongestants cause brain fog and cotton mouth. They are definitely not suitable for individuals with high blood pressure, heart conditions, thyroid problems, or diabetes.
• Don’t be fooled! Nasal sprays taste horrible, and are not long-term health solutions, as they can be habit-forming.

How to Reduce Allergens

An effective allergy solution is to simply eliminate the allergens from your living and work environment.

Air filtration has been studied by researchers for over 40 years, and has been proven to provide swifter relief for those with allergic respiratory illness.

In several studies, researchers found that when air cleaners are installed in the home, they significantly improve the sleep quality, and reduce negative symptoms for those who suffer from allergies.

With the right preventative measures, individuals and families that suffer from allergies can be more comfortable during this lovely time of year.

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Smokemaster C-12 Product Review and Comparison

Without natural ventilation of the outdoors, lingering smoke can irritate your skin or eyes. It can get into fabrics, furniture, and even walls, leaving a stale odor and eventually discoloration.

If you’re looking for a home smoke eater and air purifier for your residential house, or a solution for a small commercial or retail space like an office, lounge, restaurant, tobacco shop, bowling alley, or bar, look no further than the SmokeMaster C-12 Electronic Air Cleaner, or its main competitor in the smoke eater product segment, the SmokeMaster X-400 Electronic Air Cleaner!

Which one you go with depends on what you want and the requirements of the space in which you’re installing your smoke eater. Either smoke eater will remove and filter odors and contaminants from cigar smoke, cigarette smoke, or hookah smoke.

If you’re looking for smoke removal in a space up to 400 square feet, you may want to go with the SmokeMaster X-400. It fits flush mounted into any 2’ x 2’ drop ceiling tile space. It’s a high efficiency air filter that removes dust, pollen, and other particles along with smoke by lending particles an electrical charge as they pass through an electronic cell, then trapping the particles on an oppositely charged collector plate, holding them their like metal filings stuck to a magnet.

The SmokeMaster C-12 removes smoke from your home or business through the same process (called “electrostatic precipitation”), but with four sides and multidirectional airflow recirculation, the SmokeMaster C-12 can service a larger space up to 1000 square feet, or provide more air recirculation in a smaller space. Both models are quiet, economical, easy to install, easy to clean, and come with a three-speed control function.

If you’re looking for a more efficient smoke-eating cousin to the SmokeMasters C-12 and X-400, look no further than the Maxum Home Smoke Eater. Also effective over 400 square feet of space, the Maxum is just as efficient. Using less energy than a 120-watt light bulb, it costs mere pennies to filter the air in a 20’ x 20’ room over 5 times in one hour, trapping 97% of all airborne particles.

For questions about any of these three electronic home smoke eater models, call 1-800-237-9199 toll-free, USA or Canada, and be sure to ask us about our specials for the month of April.

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Desiccant Dehumidifiers And How They Work

Too much humidity in your home can make it an uncomfortable place to live. Excess moisture in the air means allergy seasons are harder to deal with, it provides a breeding ground for mold, and a humid home means less comfortable living conditions (like waking up sweating in the middle of the night).

You’ve probably considered buying a dehumidifier before, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer or have spaces in your home with high humidity and low air circulation.

The dehumidifier most of us are familiar with is the compressor model, but if you’re doing your research, you’ve probably run across desiccant dehumidifiers. If you didn’t have any idea what the difference was, you’re not alone. A desiccant dehumidifier might be a less common choice, but it might also be the right choice for you. Knowing a little more about these machines can help you make the right decision.

What is a desiccant dehumidifier?

A desiccant dehumidifier uses chemical attraction instead of condensation to remove moisture from the air. The most important piece of machinery in one of these units is the desiccant wheel. The desiccant wheel is a sort of honeycomb network of small airways lined with silica gel — yes, the same silica gel used to keep packages dry.

Desiccant dehumidifiers for homes are generally smaller and lighter than their compressor counterparts, but they come in virtually any size, from a tiny disposable unit for a tiny space to a trailer-size unit for drying buildings affected by flooding.

How does a desiccant dehumidifier work?

A blower forces air into the unit and through the rotating desiccant wheel. The silica gel absorbs the moisture in the air and releases about 75% of the air back into the space it occupies as dry, processed air. The other 25% of the air is known as “reactivation air”. The unit heats this air to 90 to 140 degrees celsius, and these high temperatures drive the moisture out of the silica gel. This warm, wet reactivation air is then released through ductwork outside the unit and usually, outside the home or office, the unit occupies.

Why get a desiccant dehumidifier?

Desiccant dehumidifiers typically can’t compete with the drying rates of compressors, but they are efficient and can be the best option for some situations.

Because desiccant dehumidifiers are generally smaller and lighter than compressors, they are ideal for smaller spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and closets. These units are also quieter than compressors, so if noise levels are important to you, a desiccant might be your best option.

If you’re environmentally conscious, it’s worthwhile to note that desiccant dehumidifiers don’t contain the refrigerants that compressors do, and those refrigerants to do contribute to greenhouse gasses.

Desiccant dehumidifiers also work better at a greater range of temperatures, particularly in cooler environments. In fact, at lower temperatures, desiccant dehumidifiers are more efficient that compressors.
If you’re fighting a battle against humidity in your home, a desiccant dehumidifier can be an excellent choice and improve your living conditions. As with any purchase like this, though, it’s important to consider your specific purposes and circumstances.

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