USWF-PB05-1045 is a 0.5 micron 10"x4.5" carbon block that is specifically designed for lead reduction and proudly manufactured in the USA. It is constructed with an activated and acid washed coconut shell carbon block reinforced with a polypropylene wrap.
The EPA has set the maximum contaminant level for lead in drinking water at zero. This is because lead is a toxic metal that is known to be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. The most common way lead enters drinking water is pipe leaching. Some plumbing pipes were made from lead, and lead-based solder was commonly used to join copper plumbing. The amount of lead allowed in plumbing components was restricted in 1986, but small amounts of lead were still allowed until 2014 where the amount of lead allowed in plumbing parts was restricted even further.
Standard activated carbon filters don't guarantee lead filtration. The type of carbon used, the method of activation, and how the carbon is formed in the filter can change how effective carbon is at lead reduction. NSF standard 53 for the reduction of lead requires filters to reduce lead from 150 ppb down to 5 ppb. That's over a 95% lead reduction. USWF lead reduction filters are independently tested to this standard so you can be confident that you're getting the lead filtration you need to protect your home.
All USWF carbon block filters are constructed from coconut carbon. Compared to other forms of activated carbon coconut shell carbon has more surface area and a higher density of micro pores leading to an overall greater porosity. The increased porosity of coconut carbon provides increased adsorption and filtration of volatile organic contaminants which is why it is considered as one of the best materials for water filtration. Not to mention that coconut shells are considered to be the greenest most environmentally friendly sources of carbon available. It is renewable, grows year round, and doesn't harm the trees allowing for a sustainable, continuous source of high quality carbon.
This American made filter is a compatible replacement for other popular activated carbon block filters like the Pentek CBC-BB, Hydronix SMCB-4510 with added lead reducing capability.