Seychelle water pitcher removes fluoride?

hlat

The Living Force
FOTCM Member
Has anyone tested the fluoride removal capability of Seychelle water pitchers?

I've been using Seychelle water pitcher for some months, because they advertise that it removes 85%+ of fluoride.
http://www.seychelle.com/technology_FAQ.php

They used to have a lab report that indicated fluoride removal of 85%, and I was going to provide the link, but it seems to have been removed from their website.

However, two recent reviews on amazon.com have stated that they performed a fluoride test on the water pitcher, and it showed no filtering of the fluoride. I was pretty upset when I read this, because that was the main reason I bought the water pitcher. I am keeping in mind that there are disinfo people writing fake reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R241NHE33GRPMS/ref=cm_cr_dp_cmt/181-4267682-3939551?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005774ZXE&nodeID=&store=miscellaneous#wasThisHelpful
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TII1WXIXEUU6/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005774ZXE&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=#wasThisHelpful
http://www.amazon.com/Seychelle-1-40101-W-Water-Filter-Pitcher/dp/B005774ZXE
 
hlat said:
Has anyone tested the fluoride removal capability of Seychelle water pitchers?

I've been using Seychelle water pitcher for some months, because they advertise that it removes 85%+ of fluoride.
http://www.seychelle.com/technology_FAQ.php

They used to have a lab report that indicated fluoride removal of 85%, and I was going to provide the link, but it seems to have been removed from their website.

However, two recent reviews on amazon.com have stated that they performed a fluoride test on the water pitcher, and it showed no filtering of the fluoride. I was pretty upset when I read this, because that was the main reason I bought the water pitcher. I am keeping in mind that there are disinfo people writing fake reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R241NHE33GRPMS/ref=cm_cr_dp_cmt/181-4267682-3939551?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005774ZXE&nodeID=&store=miscellaneous#wasThisHelpful
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TII1WXIXEUU6/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005774ZXE&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=#wasThisHelpful
http://www.amazon.com/Seychelle-1-40101-W-Water-Filter-Pitcher/dp/B005774ZXE

I don't have any data on the Seychelle water pitcher.

I use a Seagull water filter, which removes artificially added fluoride (hexasilicafluoride) but not the naturally occurring fluoride. It also removes chlorine and other nasty stuff - but it is not very cheap. If you consult the datasheet accessible via link below you will see the test data - fluoride is not mentioned, I got that information from the manufacturer directly by mail enquiry:

Thank you for your enquiry. I have been in contact with the Australian importer of the Seagull IV water purifier regarding the removal of fluoride and have been advised that it is very effective in removing added fluoride. Most water contains minute amounts of naturally occurring fluoride (typically Calcium Fluoride). This fluoride is different from that added to water for fluoridation purposes. The chemicals used to fluoridate water are typically Hydrofluorosilicic Acid, Sodium Silicofluoride or Sodium Fluoride - these chemicals are byproducts of fertiliser manufacture and aluminium smelting. The Seagull IV water purifiers leave in naturally occurring fluoride and other beneficial trace elements but do remove added fluoride from the water. They also remove chemicals (such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers), heavy metals (such as lead, mercury and cadmium), bacteria, cysts and viruses, as well as foul tastes and odours.

See: _http://generalecology.com/images/files/pdf/pr/SGIVpds.pdf

Hope that helps!
 
hlat said:
Has anyone tested the fluoride removal capability of Seychelle water pitchers?

I've been using Seychelle water pitcher for some months, because they advertise that it removes 85%+ of fluoride.
http://www.seychelle.com/technology_FAQ.php

They used to have a lab report that indicated fluoride removal of 85%, and I was going to provide the link, but it seems to have been removed from their website.

However, two recent reviews on amazon.com have stated that they performed a fluoride test on the water pitcher, and it showed no filtering of the fluoride. I was pretty upset when I read this, because that was the main reason I bought the water pitcher. I am keeping in mind that there are disinfo people writing fake reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R241NHE33GRPMS/ref=cm_cr_dp_cmt/181-4267682-3939551?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005774ZXE&nodeID=&store=miscellaneous#wasThisHelpful
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TII1WXIXEUU6/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005774ZXE&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=#wasThisHelpful
http://www.amazon.com/Seychelle-1-40101-W-Water-Filter-Pitcher/dp/B005774ZXE

Not too impressed.

Website said:
The new filter removes the four basic zones of contamination: Aesthetic (Chlorine, taste and odor), Chemicals (from Industry and Agriculture), Dissolved Solids (heavy metals such as lead, mercury, Chromium 6) and 99.99% of Radiological Contaminants such as Gross Beta, Radon 222, Radium 226, Plutonium, Uranium, Strontium, Cesium 137 and Radioactive Iodine 131. The filter is designed with a hard shell that is formed to exact or 2 micron absolute porosity. The filter is impregnated with various proprietary media that have the ability to remove, absorb, adsorb, chemically bond and chelate different contaminants as they pass through the tortuous path designed in the filter. The basic media in the filter is a proprietary powder activated coconut carbon that has a surface phenomenon that causes a molecular attraction of substances to the surface of the filter. The rate or volume of adsorption or removal of toxic chemicals, radioactive contaminates and heavy metals is caused by the specific volume of medias used, their quality, and the flow rate of water passing through the filter.

I'd be quite surprised if a 2-micron filter and activated charcoal removed everything they mention. Activated charcoal is good at removing organic compounds (by adsorption) but is know to be generally poor at removing many inorganic compounds such as some metals and fluoride. The range of chemicals it'll remove depends on several factors but it seems like the ''exclusive media'' composition is kept secret - except for coconut (which is simply used to make activated charcoal). So is there anything in there that can remove fluoride? I don't know.

nicklebleu said:
Thank you for your enquiry. I have been in contact with the Australian importer of the Seagull IV water purifier regarding the removal of fluoride and have been advised that it is very effective in removing added fluoride. Most water contains minute amounts of naturally occurring fluoride (typically Calcium Fluoride). This fluoride is different from that added to water for fluoridation purposes. The chemicals used to fluoridate water are typically Hydrofluorosilicic Acid, Sodium Silicofluoride or Sodium Fluoride - these chemicals are byproducts of fertiliser manufacture and aluminium smelting. The Seagull IV water purifiers leave in naturally occurring fluoride and other beneficial trace elements but do remove added fluoride from the water. They also remove chemicals (such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers), heavy metals (such as lead, mercury and cadmium), bacteria, cysts and viruses, as well as foul tastes and odours.

See: _http://generalecology.com/images/files/pdf/pr/SGIVpds.pdf

Hope that helps!

I think that this is a bit misleading. Maybe I'm missing something? No matter if the source of fluoride is natural or artificial, if the partial/complete dissociation of the fluorinated compound results in releasing fluoride ions (like the dissolution of sodium fluoride, hydrofluorosilicic acid and sodium silicofluoride), then they can't be removed anymore than naturally occurring fluoride ions that can not be to begin with (a fluoride ion is a fluoride ion).

------------------------------------------------------------------

ADDED: Just thought about something. Perhaps in either or both cases there is some anion-exchange resin in the filtration unit that could remove fluoride. I know they exist. So that could be it. In that case, yes, it could technically remove a great deal of fluoride. I just don't know much about these resins and their efficiency. There are different kinds to begin with.

Anyhow I hope it helps.

EDIT: Spelling/added material
 
[quote author= hlat]
Has anyone tested the fluoride removal capability of Seychelle water pitchers?
[/quote]

As far as I know, only reverse osmosis and distillation will remove fluoride from water. There are other systems that "claim" to remove fluoride, but independent analysis has shown that not to be the case. A most recent example was Dr. Mercola at mercola.com The filter system he sold claimed to remove all fluoride. But when others tested and called him out on it, he quickly pulled the product, then reintroduced it with the claim that it removes "most" fluoride.

I recently came across this link, which says that holy basil will remove fluoride from water by soaking the leaves in it. I have also been researching how to make water potable using moringa seeds. But that should be a thread all by itself.
 
JayMark said:
I'd be quite surprised if a 2-micron filter and activated charcoal removed everything they mention. Activated charcoal is good at removing organic compounds (by adsorption) but is know to be generally poor at removing many inorganic compounds such as some metals and fluoride. The range of chemicals it'll remove depends on several factors but it seems like the ''exclusive media'' composition is kept secret - except for coconut (which is simply used to make activated charcoal). So is there anything in there that can remove fluoride? I don't know.

Hey JayMark, If i'm not mistaken I believe many filtration companies use activated Alumina remove fluoride. Fluorides affinity for Alumina a positive ion is such that it's leached from the water into the filter substrate. This along with increased surface area and time length of contact can improve fluoride removal.

Not sure if that's foolproof but it seems as though it's a technique that is preferred. I would like to run test on this personally but unfortunately we have to take other's word for their results. Which is not an ideal situation in my opinion. :(
 
Lilou said:
[quote author= hlat]
Has anyone tested the fluoride removal capability of Seychelle water pitchers?

As far as I know, only reverse osmosis and distillation will remove fluoride from water. There are other systems that "claim" to remove fluoride, but independent analysis has shown that not to be the case. A most recent example was Dr. Mercola at mercola.com The filter system he sold claimed to remove all fluoride. But when others tested and called him out on it, he quickly pulled the product, then reintroduced it with the claim that it removes "most" fluoride.

I recently came across this link, which says that holy basil will remove fluoride from water by soaking the leaves in it. I have also been researching how to make water potable using moringa seeds. But that should be a thread all by itself.

[/quote]

Yeah, as far as I know, RO and distillation are the only reliable way to remove fluoride, too. I've never used a reverse osmosis filtration system yet, but been using a distiller since 2008. In the last year I got a new distiller in which the hot water condensing and dripping into the container never touches any plastic parts, it's designed to only come in contact with stainless steel and glass.
 
I'm thinking I will have to spend some money to find out whether fluoride is removed.

What do you think about using this instrument to test fluoride levels?
Hanna Instruments HI 729 Checker HC Handheld Colorimeter, For Fluoride Low Range
http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instruments-Handheld-Colorimeter-Fluoride/dp/B005FH2N76
 
trendsetter37 said:
Hey JayMark, If i'm not mistaken I believe many filtration companies use activated Alumina remove fluoride. Fluorides affinity for Alumina a positive ion is such that it's leached from the water into the filter substrate. This along with increased surface area and time length of contact can improve fluoride removal.

Not sure if that's foolproof but it seems as though it's a technique that is preferred. I would like to run test on this personally but unfortunately we have to take other's word for their results. Which is not an ideal situation in my opinion. :(

Interesting. I didn't know about the potential of alumina as a fluoride adsorbent. Thanks for mentioning. Sad thing is that we don't know if that is what they use. That or something else.

Just made a quick search and apparently, activated alumina works best in acidic pH (5.5 being the ideal) and cold temperature. So considering that tap water has a pH usually over 7.0, I don't know how efficient it would be. Treatment plants add a fair dose of alkalinity to the water to prevent corrosion.

So we would need a graph expressing it's efficiency as a fluoride adsorbent vs pH and temperature.

I could also test that very easily if I had the filter and access to a lab but unfortunately, I don't. So indeed, we have to take people's word for it.

Thanks again for the info. ;)
 
Lilou said:
As far as I know, only reverse osmosis and distillation will remove fluoride from water. There are other systems that "claim" to remove fluoride, but independent analysis has shown that not to be the case. A most recent example was Dr. Mercola at mercola.com The filter system he sold claimed to remove all fluoride. But when others tested and called him out on it, he quickly pulled the product, then reintroduced it with the claim that it removes "most" fluoride.

I recently came across this link, which says that holy basil will remove fluoride from water by soaking the leaves in it. I have also been researching how to make water potable using moringa seeds. But that should be a thread all by itself.

Reverse osmosis is what I recommend to anyone who want the best out of their water (and can afford it of course).

SeekinTruth said:
Yeah, as far as I know, RO and distillation are the only reliable way to remove fluoride, too. I've never used a reverse osmosis filtration system yet, but been using a distiller since 2008. In the last year I got a new distiller in which the hot water condensing and dripping into the container never touches any plastic parts, it's designed to only come in contact with stainless steel and glass.

Have you had any tests performed on your distilled water? Depending on the nature of the water you distill, perhaps you might end up with unwanted products which have vaporized along with the water?
 
No, I haven't tested my distilled water. But I recently got a well put in on my property and will be testing that soon, so I should probably test the distilled water too. Thanks for the tip.
 
hlat said:
I'm thinking I will have to spend some money to find out whether fluoride is removed.

What do you think about using this instrument to test fluoride levels?
Hanna Instruments HI 729 Checker HC Handheld Colorimeter, For Fluoride Low Range
http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instruments-Handheld-Colorimeter-Fluoride/dp/B005FH2N76

Seems alright. You don't need anymore to make a decent fluoride analysis.

This technique is widely used to get fast and decent results.

And moreover, you can bring it with you anywhere you go so it's really convenient.

It has a 5% uncertainty range (+/- 0.05 ppm) which is not so bad.
 
SeekinTruth said:
No, I haven't tested my distilled water. But I recently got a well put in on my property and will be testing that soon, so I should probably test the distilled water too. Thanks for the tip.

Good idea if you can do that, just to be safe. :)

Some contaminants have a low boiling point (like volatile organic compounds and some pesticides for instance) and can end up in the distillate. But that entirely depends on the initial water's chemical composition.

EDIT: Added material
 
I am disappointed in Seychelle. I used Hanna fluoride tester against Seychelle's radiological water pitcher. The Seychelle pitcher did not remove fluoride.
 
Here is the link to see the lab tests /results done by Los Angeles County Environmental Toxicology Bureau on the Seychelles Pitcher (also sold as clearly filtered)....http://www.seychelle.com/lab-tests.html. Hope this helps :)
 
grace said:
Here is the link to see the lab tests /results done by Los Angeles County Environmental Toxicology Bureau on the Seychelles Pitcher (also sold as clearly filtered)....http://www.seychelle.com/lab-tests.html. Hope this helps :)
Are you an employee of Seychelle?

You can trust one lab report from 9 years ago if you'd like. I'll trust multiple test results that I conducted that show Seychelle does not filter out fluoride, while Berkey's fluoride filter actually does remove fluoride.
 
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