NSF Certifies First Pour-Through Filtration Device To New Lead Reduction Protocol

Zero Technologies Helps Expand Consumer Options for NSF Certified Products to Treat Lead in Drinking Water

Ann Arbor, MI — NSF International has announced that Zero Technologies, LLC has obtained NSF Certification for its pour-through water filtration pitchers. Zero Technologies is the first company to achieve certification of a filtration pitcher for lead reduction under the new requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units -- Health Effects.

As of July 2007, all drinking water filters, including pour-through pitchers, faucet mounts and built-in faucet filters, certified by NSF must meet new test requirements for making claims of lead reduction under NSF/ANSI Standard 53. Previously, the lead reduction test protocol did not require a challenge with a specific percentage of particulate lead in addition to soluble lead. The new test protocol requires that particulate lead must be generated in the challenge water at a specific percentage. Recent studies have indicated that lead contamination of drinking water can occur in either or both particulate and soluble forms. Since both forms of lead have adverse health effects if consumed, it is very important that water treatment products certified for lead reduction are able to treat particulate lead in addition to soluble lead.

"Zero Technologies is honored to be the first company to pass the new lead removal standard set by the NSF Joint Committee on Drinking Water Treatment Units. This will allow us to showcase our product strength and highlight differentiation among the competition," said Raja Rajan, Chief Operating Officer Zero Technologies, LLC. "NSF Certification to the new lead requirements allows consumers to compare water filtration capabilities among the many choices available in the market."

NSF's Drinking Water Treatment Program tests and certifies filters used to reduce contaminants, such as lead, from drinking water. Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 includes ongoing inspections of the manufacturing facility and periodic testing to make sure the product does not leach harmful levels of metals or other contaminants into drinking water and continues to perform as originally certified.

"NSF enjoys working with many proactive manufacturers, such as Zero Technologies, to help them demonstrate their commitment to public health protection. This certification is important because it expands options available to consumers when selecting products to help make their family's drinking water safer," said Rick Andrew, Operations Manager of NSF's Drinking Water Treatment Units Certification Program.

The requirements were adopted into NSF/ANSI Standard 53 in February 2007 with approval from the NSF Joint Committee on Drinking Water Treatment Units, an independent consensus standards body composed of a balanced representation of stakeholders including regulators, industry representatives and product users. Manufacturers were also notified of the new requirements at that time.

The official NSF Standard 53 Listing for Zero Technologies drinking water filtration products is available on NSF's website (http://www.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?Company=1K760&Standard=053). Zero Technologies has been certified by NSF's Drinking Water Treatment Units Certification Program since 2004.

About NSF International
NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.

SOURCE: NSF International