Archive for June, 2007

Avoid Montezuma’s Revenge

Thursday, June 28th, 2007

There are all kinds of dangers lurking in the water and a Great White Shark is the least of the traveler’s worries. Montezuma’s Revenge, the popular name for the effect that microbes in the local water supply can have on travelers, ruins an estimated 40% of overseas vacations. Don’t let it ruin yours!

1. All food is to be cooked Well Done. The temperature of every bit of the juices needs to hit 165 degrees Fahrenheit. In America or other Western nations, you may can eat a steak Medium Rare but in the Third World you want to see NO PINK IN THE MIDDLE. Some Western style hotels and restaurants may use proper cooking procedures, but when in doubt have your food cooked thoroughly!

2. Bottled water is an option, but can be too expensive. The best is carbonated water because the carbonation process kills the microbes in the water. By ordering carbonated water you also preclude someone from putting local (tainted) tap water into your table’s bottle and selling it as fresh. Be aware though that some studies have shown the outside of the bottle caps to be contaminated and of course if you pour the drink over ice then you might as well call the doctor immediately.

3. Purify your drinking water VERY AFFORDABLE!! Unfortunately, you cannot always get bottled water and you will need a way to purify what you are drinking. Water filter bottles are the most common method. These portable water filters have a filter built right into them and will filter out a wide range of contaminants from the water.

4. Spicy Food as a Preventative? In the past there was a belief that spicy food could help you prevent Montezuma’s Revenge. Recent studies have discounted this idea. More studies are needed but don’t be surprised if after eating spicy food you have an upset stomach filled with live microbes.

5. Oops! Took every precaution and still lost the battle. Not to fear. Anti-biotics can solve the problem. Visit your local doctor or medic and have them prescribed for you.

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How Basic Carbon Water Filters work…

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

The black granular high quality filter carbon is distinguished by its rugged grain structure and high porosity. This highly porous internal structure efficiently absorbs and retains taste, odor, and colorcomponents from water as it passes through the filter bed. (Area of porosity = 3,000,000 sq. in. per lb. of activated carbon) A very common problem is that of chloro-organic compounds which are produced by the chlorination of a water supply for bacterial kill. These chloro-organiccompounds impart tastes and odors which are much stronger than residual chlorine, however they are removed along with the free chlorine residual by passing the water through an activated charcoal filter. It is necessary to replace the carbon filter bed when the capacity for taste and odors is exhausted.

When using filter products and talking about water filters and portable water filters, make sure that you have a good understanding of the filter media used and what it will filter out. This will help in your filter purchases.

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Chemical Water Poisoning

Monday, June 25th, 2007

Many chemicals can cause cancer. These can be naturally occurring chemicals or synthetic chemicals such as those found in pesticides and fertilizers. Ironically the chlorine that we put in water to destroy the first type of water poisoning can create a second type of water poisoning. Disinfectants like chlorine can combine with decaying leaves and other naturally occurring organic matter to form compounds called disinfection byproducts (DBP’s). These compounds are carcinogenic, meaning they cause cancer. If someone is exposed to this type of pollution over time they can eventually get cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between two and 17 percent of all bladder cancer cases in the United States may be due to DBP’s in the drinking water. 

The best way to protect yourself from these poisons is to use a filter that is capable of removing chemical contaminants. You should filter your the water from your sink, your shower, and even when you leave the house. For your home use a pitcher with filter for sink water, use a shower filter, and when you leave the house use a portable water filter bottle.

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Microbiological Water Poisoning

Friday, June 22nd, 2007

Biological poisoning includes bacteria, of which E.coli is only one kind. It also includes parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which live in the intestines of humans and animals, and though they are not usually as deadly as E.coli, are harder to kill even with chlorine. Most microbiological hazards are short-term threats; you suffer the effects of the poisoned water quickly.

The best way to safegaurd yourself and your family from Microbiologically unsafe water is to use a water filter that can filter at the submicron level. These filters are available in many different styles, but the most convenient to use is the Biological Filter available in a handy Fitlered Water Bottle. Just fill it up, screw the cap on, and begin drinking clean, safe drinking water!

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Filtered Water Bottles Cheaper than Bottled Water

Wednesday, June 20th, 2007

Consumers are said to spend a collective $100 Billion every year on bottled water. The average 16 oz. bottle of drinking water from a convenient store costs approximately $0.89. You may think that this is relatively inexpensive, but I believe you’ll be surprised once you see the comparison in costs to that of portable filtered water. 

A 16oz carbon filtered water bottle initially costs approximately $13 and the filter life is estimated to last up to 80 gallons. Replacement filters for these water bottles are about $6.50each. 

Average Quality Water: 

  • Filter lasts the approximately 80 gallons
  • means that the 16oz bottle can be filled 640 times
  • With the initial cost of the bottle and filter $13 
    •  If you divide $13 by 640 refills, it would cost $.02 every time you filled it up. NOW COMPARE THAT TO YOUR AVERAGE 16oz BOTTLE OF WATER.
  • Replacement filters cost about $6.50 each
    • If you divide $6.50 by 640 refills, it would cost $.01 every time you filled the bottle up. So once you replace the original filter that came with your bottle it drops the cost by half!

    You can calculate the savings yourself. STOP spending a fortune on bottle water! Get the best water through a filtered water bottle!

    Posted in Filtered Water, Filtered Water Bottles, Filtered Water to Go | Comments Off

    How Chlorgon/KDF Shower Filters work

    Friday, June 15th, 2007

    KDF/Chlorgon shower filters work on a similar principle to a Catalytic Converter in an automobile. In shower filtration free-chlorine is converted into a harmless chloride. The scientific name for this chemical reaction is known as “Reduction-Oxidation”, commonly referred to as Redox. 

    Redox reactions can be chemically complex. Simply stated, during a Redox reaction electrons are transferred between molecules, creating new elements. For instance, when free-chlorine comes in contact with the filtration media, it is changed into a benign, water-soluble chloride. This reaction changes free-chlorine to a larger chloride element. Too large to evaporate or be absorbed by the skin. It is then carried harmlessly through the water supply. 

    Redox Filtration Medias
    a) Chlorgon     is one type of Redox filtration media. Chlorgon converts free chlorine and some combined chlorines, such as sodium hypochlorite (liquid swimming pool chlorine), to a harmless chloride. Chlorgon also works well in a variety of temperatures from hot to cold. 

    b) Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, or KDF, is another type of Redox filtration media. KDF converts free chlorine to a harmless chloride. This media of high-purity copper-zinc formulations is used in pretreatment, primary treatment, and wastewater  applications. Patented KDF process media are 100 percent recyclable and contain no chemical additives. Hospitals, restaurants, municipal water treatment facilities, and homes rely on KDF process media to safely reduce or remove  free chlorine, iron oxides and hydrogen sulfide.

    Shower filters that use both Redox filtration medias are the best because they have enhanced capabilities. You should invest in a shower filter because 50% of your daily chlorine exposure is from showering. Chlorine is dangerous just like any chemical so don’t think that it is safe. It is only used to kill bacteria from the water supply. It has a purpose and serves its purpose, but remember that it has harmful effects which filtration can prevent!

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    Why you shouldn’t rely on distillation why traveling….

    Monday, June 11th, 2007

    Water distillation will kill and remove bacteria, viruses, cysts, heavy metals, and particulate. For all intents and purposes, distilled water comes closest to the definition of pure drinking water, and the distillation process removes the broadest range of contaminates of any point of use system.

    Distillation can be a wonderful answer for pregnant women, iodine sensitive individuals, or long term travelers. Just like any other purification process, however, distillation does have its drawbacks.

    First of all, it requires a reliable source of electricity. Most distillers process about a gallon of water every eight hours or so, which leaves little leeway in between outlets.

    Distillers are the heaviest and bulkiest of water purification systems – definitely not something you can pack in your carry-on bag.

    Water distillation requires planning. You can’t just plug it in and have your liter of water a few minutes later. It takes many hours in some case to begin producing water.

    Most importantly, distilled water does not taste good. Nobody that drinks distilled water is doing it because they like the flavor. While it is important to have clean water, there are better ways.

    The easiest and most effective solution is a personal water filter bottle. There are lots of different levels of filtration available. If you believe you are traveling to a second or third world country get the highest level of filtration. A biological filter bottle that uses a submicron rate filter will protect you from parasites, bacteria, and bad taste. If you suspect the water to have been virally contaminated use iodine or chlorine tablets.

    Posted in Drinking Water, Personal Water Filter | Comments Off

    Why you shouldn’t rely on boiling water

    Sunday, June 10th, 2007

    While it is true that boiled water is biologically pure water, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of drinking water. Once again, the problem is availability. Most travelers do not have a stove and pan at the ready when they need water, and it is never wise to be dependent on others for water purification. We have heard from travelers who have requested boiled water from their hotel front desk, and then have become terribly ill on the “boiled” water that was delivered. Please remember that both the water and the container must be sterilized to avoid contamination.

    Be safe! Don’t travel outside the U.S. without a water filter bottle. The best level of filtration will be obtained through a biological filter. Take the precaution now so you won’t have to worry while traveling.

    Posted in Water Bottles with Filters, Water Filter Bottles | Comments Off

    Why bottled water shouldn’t be relied upon overseas

    Saturday, June 9th, 2007

    We’ve all spoken with travelers who choose to rely on bottled water as their only source of water when traveling in areas where water sanitation is a problem. While this is the most effortless of water treatment solutions, it is important to understand that it is certainly not the most reliable.

    The major problem is availability. One can never be sure that bottled water will be available everywhere they travel. None of us want to spend a valuable vacation afternoon trying to locate a reliable source of bottled water. Even if you are able to find it, there is no guarantee that the bottle of water you purchase is truly safe; empty bottles, a garden hose, and a bottle capper can be a wonderful source of income in a second or third world country!

    It is extremely easy to become dehydrated while traveling, as sightseeing and new climates take their toll. We recommend taking a filtered water bottle with you everywhere. Filtered water bottles have different filtration levels. So you must decide which level would apply before you travel. The easiest thing to do find out whether or no the country you are visiting is a high risk area. High Risk areas are places like the Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Mexica, Central America, South America, Russia and former USSR countries, and Asia. If your planning to visit any of those countries found to be a high risk area, we strongly urge you to get a biological filtered bottle.

    Don’t try and skimp yourself! Get the best portable filter available cause you certainly don’t want to get sick while traveling outside the U.S.

    Posted in Filtered Water Bottles, Filtered Water to Go | Comments Off