Question:
I have been through a few water filters recently. My stomach is verysensitive to the heavy metals that can be a by product of the filtrationsystem from the cartridges. I even am sensitive to the copper and otherelements in certain vitamins etc. It kills my stomach and gives mediahreah.I am experiencing same symptoms with this GE under sink filter now. I amreading that they can give off extra nickel that can be bad for you.

Can anybody PLEASE give me advice on a filter that will do its best to NOTleak the metals into the water that I will drink. I may go back to thewaterpik filter that you just attach to the faucet.

Answer: No, it's not. You have a hysterical disorder that can usually beremedies through therapy or drugs like Prozac. This is not meant toinsult you but to tell you the truth rather than endulge any delusionsyou may possess or have been fed by disreputable health professionals,such as medical doctors who practice "enironmental" medicine and whosell expensive products and services to "protect" people who think theyhave multiple chemical sensitivities.

It's unlikely you're so sensitive that normal amounts of those elementsfound in typical environments would bother you.

It's probably something else doing that, such as intake of uncookedfoods (even fruits and vegetables can cause diarreah), but you shouldhave your water tested by a lab that isn't affiliated with any companythat sells water treatment equipment. Kits for this are sold athardware stores and home centers, and they're either prepaid for asimple lead check, or you have to pay anywhere from $20-500 extra formore complete tests.

Carbon water filters contain silver to prevent growth of bacteria, andwithout this silver you could be poisoned by germs. While it'spossible to receive excessive amounts of silver from these filters,it's unlikely, and any excess will not be at such a high level to behighly toxic. But you can reduce the concentration of silver greatlyby running the water for 30-60 seconds before filling your glass, soconsider filling a pitcher and keeping it in the refrigerator.

A carbon filter will remove most organic chemicals, mercury, and somelead, but if your water is also contaminated by excessive inorganics(simple elements), a reverse osmosis filter is needed to remove them.

Good brands of filters include Ametek, Omni, and Sears Kenmore. Avoidanything sold by comissioned salesmen.