NSF Certifies First Lead Reduction Filtration Device
Zero Technologies, LLC has obtained NSF Certification for its pour-through water filtration pitchers, according to NSF International. Zero Technologies is the first company to achieve certification of a filtration pitcher for lead reduction under the new requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units -- Health Effects.
As of July 2007, all drinking water filters, including pour-through pitchers, faucet mounts, and built-in faucet filters, certified by NSF must meet new test requirements for making claims of lead reduction under NSF/ANSI Standard 53.
Previously, the lead reduction test protocol did not require a challenge with a specific percentage of particulate lead in addition to soluble lead. The new test protocol requires that particulate lead must be generated in the challenge water at a specific percentage. Recent studies have indicated that lead contamination of drinking water can occur in either or both particulate and soluble forms. Since both forms of lead have adverse health effects if consumed, it is very important that water treatment products certified for lead reduction are able to treat particulate lead in addition to soluble lead.
"Zero Technologies is honored to be the first company to pass the new lead removal standard set by the NSF Joint Committee on Drinking Water Treatment Units. This will allow us to showcase our product strength and highlight differentiation among the competition," said Raja Rajan, chief operating officer at Zero Technologies, LLC.
NSF's Drinking Water Treatment Program tests and certifies filters used to reduce contaminants, such as lead, from drinking water. Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 includes ongoing inspections of the manufacturing facility and periodic testing to make sure the product does not leach harmful levels of metals or other contaminants into drinking water and continues to perform as originally certified.