Berkey PF-2 Fluoride Filters Questions

Question 1

I have installed the PF-2 Filters into the Travel Berkey Water Filter and accidentally screwed it all the way in instead of just 8 full revolutions. The manual states this could damage the internal media screen. Is there any way how to test whether the filter is damaged or not?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you would be continually getting alumina particulate in your water, which gives a bitter taste and shows up as white particulate in the lower chamber. You may have bit of this in the beginning, it can sometimes take up to 5 full containers to dissipate, but after that it should be clear and tasteless. I would suggest unscrewing a bit and it should be fine. By the way alumina is an inert compound and has no effects upon living tissue.

Question 2

I am interested in buying one of your water filters. I really need a filter that removes fluoride and notice that the systems come with 2 Black Berkey Filters. Is there any way that you can order it with 2 PF-2 Fluoride Filters instead as I would not use the Black Berkey Filters if they do not remove fluoride?

Accepted Answer

Every Berkey System does indeed come standard with 2 Black Berkey Filters, the PF-2 Fluoride Filters are not stand alone filters and are supplementary to the Black Berkey Filters. They can be attached to the Black Berkey Filters if you live in a fluoridated area. The Black Berkey Filters are placed in the upper container and the PF-2 Fluoride Filters are attached to the stems of the Black Berkey Filters and hang in the lower container, the water passes first through the Black Berkey Filters and then through the PF-2 Fluoride Filters.

Question 3

Could you tell me exactly which types of fluoride the PF-2 Fluoride Filters are able to filter?

Accepted Answer

The PF-2 Filters will remove all fluorides which are added to drinking water whether it be H2SiF6, Na2SiF6 or sodium fluoride.

Question 4

The active ingredient in the PF-2 Filters is activated alumina. Isn&rsquo;t that the same as aluminum and aren&rsquo;t there then health concerns with exposure to aluminum?

Accepted Answer

The material in the PF-2 Filters used to extract fluoride and arsenic is indeed activated alumina. Since fluoride is a by-product of aluminum production, fluoride has a natural affinity to recombine with activated alumina making it an ideal extraction substance. Both nutritionist and lab technicians have informed us that aluminum and alumina are two different things. Aluminum can cross the blood brain barrier and cause problems with the brain whereas alumina is inert, it is oxidized aluminum. Aluminum is regulated whereas alumina is not, for example alumina is the material used for making the paste in toothpaste. At any rate, when testing for aluminum in water, most tests cannot distinguish between aluminum ions and oxidized alumina. Since we are not chemists, we tested the effluent from the filters and included that information in our testing results. While we were not required to do so, we felt that it was important to disclose to our customers what our results were so that they would have the necessary information to do further research on the issue should they desire to do so. We think it was significant in the test we conducted using the combination of Black Berkey Filters and PF-2 Filters there was a net reduction in the tested aluminum content of the source water vs. the purified water. Again that test did not distinguish between aluminum and alumina. The bottom line is that the media utilized is oxidized alumina and not aluminum

Question 5

What is the best way to keep the PF-2 Filters when away for more than a long weekend? There is some conflicting info on the internet. Do I have to put them in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

The Berkey PF-2 Filters can be stored in a refrigerator, short term; but definitely don't store them in a freezer. To do this, unscrew the PF-2 Filters from the Black Berkey Filter, put them into a sealable sandwich bag or container and place the filters in the refrigerator towards the front to ensure that they do not freeze.
If you do store them in a refrigerator, we recommend re-priming the PF-2 Filters for up to 1-minute each in both directions, before using them again.
The Berkey PF-2 Filters should not be allowed to air dry as this could allow some bacteria growth in the filter to occur.

Question 6

Do the PF-2 filters used in Berkey Water Filter Systems leach aluminum into your drinking water?

Accepted Answer

The answer is NO. The PF-2 filters used in Berkey water filter systems do NOT leach aluminum into your drinking water.Click the link below to read and download our extensive article (.pdf) that explains more about Berkey water filter systems, and the differences between aluminum, alumina and activated alumina&mdash;three terms that people often incorrectly (and sometimes irresponsibly) use interchangeably when writing articles and reviews about water filter systems. Plus, learn about the limitations of standard aluminum testing protocols and why TDS meters are not a reliable way to measure aluminum in your drinking water.Read our article: Do Berkey Water Filter Systems Leach Aluminum Into Your Drinking Water?

Berkey PF-2 Fluoride Filters

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