Does BOROUX Filter VOCs?

BOROUX water filtration system on stand ready to filter VOCs

Yes, BOROUX filters Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

What Are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing gases that can be harmful to human health. They are found in products like paints, solvents, cleaning supplies, fuels, and pesticides. In industrial applications, VOCs are used extensively, but their byproducts can end up in the environment, particularly in air and water supplies.

Common VOCs include benzene, toluene, ethylene, formaldehyde, and xylene. These compounds are known for their potential to contaminate water through runoff, improper disposal, and leaching from landfills. When VOCs enter drinking water supplies, they can pose various health risks, particularly when consumed over a long period.

How Do VOCs Get into Tap Water?

VOCs can enter water supplies through multiple pathways. Industrial facilities, agricultural operations, and residential areas are all sources of VOC contamination. VOCs often seep into the ground, contaminating groundwater, which is a common source of drinking water. Additionally, VOCs can run off into rivers, lakes, and reservoirs from nearby landfills, gasoline storage tanks, and agricultural fields treated with pesticides.

Improperly disposed of chemicals and leaky underground storage tanks are two major contributors to VOC contamination in tap water. Once these chemicals enter water sources, they can persist for long periods due to their stability and solubility in water. In urban areas, VOC contamination may also arise from household products being improperly discarded into drainage systems.

Why Should VOCs Be Filtered from Drinking Water?

Filtering VOCs from drinking water is critical because of the serious health risks associated with these chemicals. Prolonged exposure to VOCs, even at low levels, can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

Carcinogenic Effects: Several VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are classified as carcinogens, meaning long-term exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Damage to the Nervous System: VOCs like toluene and xylene can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, neurological damage.
Respiratory Issues: Ingesting or inhaling VOCs may cause respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other lung conditions.
Endocrine Disruption: Some VOCs may interfere with the body’s hormonal system, leading to reproductive and developmental health issues.

Given the health risks posed by VOCs, it is essential to ensure that your water filtration system can effectively remove these harmful compounds from your drinking water.

How Does BOROUX Filter VOCs?

BOROUX water filtration systems are engineered to remove a wide range of contaminants, including VOCs, through a multi-stage filtration process. Here’s how BOROUX effectively filters VOCs from drinking water:

Activated Carbon Filtration: The primary filtration method used in BOROUX systems is activated carbon. Activated carbon works by adsorption, where VOC molecules adhere to the porous surface of the carbon. This process is highly effective at capturing VOCs, as the large surface area of the activated carbon provides ample space for trapping organic contaminants.
Ion Exchange: BOROUX filters also use ion exchange to further clear up the water. This process involves swapping harmful ions with safer ones, enhancing the overall filtration efficiency and ensuring a thorough removal of VOCs and other contaminants.
Mechanical Filtration: BOROUX filters uses fine mechanical filtration that physically blocks particles, preventing them from passing through the filter and contaminating the drinking water.

How Are BOROUX Filters Tested for VOC Removal?

BOROUX filters are rigorously tested to ensure they effectively remove VOCs from drinking water. Per NSF standards, chloroform is used as a surrogate chemical for VOCs. A surrogate chemical is a substitute used in testing; if the filter can remove chloroform, it indicates that all other listed VOCs will also be filtered. Instead of testing each VOC individually, this method allows for a comprehensive assessment of the filter’s effectiveness at removing VOCs.

Chloroform, a volatile organic compound itself, is a robust indicator of a filter's ability to remove other harmful VOCs. BOROUX filtration systems have passed the NSF testing standards, demonstrating their effectiveness at filtering chloroform and, by extension, other VOCs.

Which VOCs Have Been Tested by BOROUX?

The following is a list of VOCs that BOROUX filtration systems have been tested for and are known to effectively remove:

alachlor
atrazine
benzene
carbofuran
carbon tetrachloride
chlorobenzene
chloropicrin
2,4-D
dibromochloropropane (DBCP)
o-dichlorobenzene
p-dichlorobenzene
1,2-dichloroethane
1,1-dichloroethylene
cis-1,2-dichloroethylene
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
1,2-dichloropropane
cis-1,3-dichloropropylene
dinoseb
endrin
ethylbenzene
ethylene dibromide (EDB)
haloacetonitriles (HAN)
bromochloroacetonitrile
dibromoacetonitrile
dichloroacetonitrile
trichloroacetonitrile
haloketones (HK)
1,1-dichloro-2-propanone
1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone
heptachlor
heptachlor epoxide
hexachlorobutadiene
hexachlorocyclopentadiene
lindane
methoxychlor
pentachlorophenol
simazine
styrene
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
tetrachloroethylene
toluene
2,4,5-TP (silvex)
tribromoacetic acid
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
1,1,1-trichloroethane
1,1,2-trichloroethane
trichloroethylene
trihalomethanes
bromoform
bromodichloromethane
chlorodibromomethane
xylenes (total)

This extensive testing ensures that BOROUX filters provide reliable protection against a wide range of harmful chemicals commonly found in water supplies, giving consumers peace of mind.

Why Choose BOROUX for VOC Filtration?

BOROUX filters offer several advantages that make them an excellent choice for removing VOCs and other harmful contaminants from your water supply:

Comprehensive Filtration: In addition to VOCs, BOROUX filters remove a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and other chemicals. This ensures that your drinking water is not only non-toxic but also free from unpleasant odors and tastes.
Long-Lasting Filters: Each BOROUX filter provides up to 6,000 gallons of chlorine-free water, and with two filters per system, you can enjoy up to 12,000 gallons of filtered water before needing replacements. This long filter life minimizes maintenance and maximizes cost efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly: Unlike reverse osmosis systems, which can waste significant amounts of water, BOROUX filters do not generate wastewater. This eco-friendly design ensures that you are making a positive impact on both your health and the environment.

Conclusion

Yes, BOROUX filters effectively remove VOCs from drinking water, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for ensuring quality water. Through its advanced multi-stage filtration process and rigorous testing with chloroform as a surrogate for all VOCs, BOROUX ensures that harmful chemicals are thoroughly removed, giving you peace of mind. If you’re concerned about VOCs and other contaminants in your water supply, investing in a BOROUX water filtration system is a smart and proactive choice for protecting your health.