What are VOCs and How Can Water Filtration Systems for the Home Eliminate Them from Your Water Supply?
Water filtration systems for the home that are installed at the point-of-entry for a home’s water supply and can be a real problem-solver for those who are concerned about impurities in their water. This can be especially true if the source of the water is from a private well or aquifer. These sources typically do not have any sort of regulation or oversight from the government, whereas municipal water supplies undergo rigorous testing and filtration. However, it is possible for even city or county water to become tainted if it travels through pipes that are corroded and contain contaminants.
One type of contaminant that can be found in tap water are volatile organic compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs. The Environmental Protection Agency defines volatile organic compounds as “any compound of carbon which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.” What that means in simpler terms is that they are human-made or natural chemical compounds with a volatile chemical structure that are potentially harmful to the environment and humans.
Typically VOCs find their way into groundwater through human activities, such as oil operations, fracking, agricultural runoff, and manufacturing facilities. Examples of VOCs include:
- Ethyl acetate and acetone, commonly found in paints and coatings
- Chlorofluorocarbons, a compound found in the cleaning agents used by dry cleaners
- Benzene, found in car exhaust, as well as used in manufacturing to make plastics
- Methylene chloride, found in aerosol sprays and adhesive removers
While most people are exposed to these chemicals from time to time with no adverse effects, prolonged exposure can cause health issues for some individuals. RainSoft’s water filtration systems for the home will remove VOCs, as well as other impurities that can be found in water including manganese, sulfur, and iron, providing healthier water for the household. If you think you have problem water, contact a local authorized RainSoft dealer today for a complimentary in-home water test.
