Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are intestinal infections caused by the protozoan parasites giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium parvum. The ailments are often caused by ingesting water or food contaminated by the feces from infected animals and humans. Symptoms of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis can include diarrhea, gas, nausea, and cramps. The parasites are commonly found in outdoor water sources such as lakes, streams and swimming pools.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s minimum removal or inactivation standard for cryptosporidium is 99%, or a 2-log reduction. Black Berkey ® Purification Elements remove cryptosporidium to greater than 99.996% (log 4.6). That is over twice the EPA standard, by log 2.6.
For giardia lamblia, the EPA minimum removal or inactivation standard is 99.9%, a 3-log reduction. Black Berkey ® Purification Elements have been tested to reduce giardia cysts by greater than 99.994%, or log 4.6. This also exceeds the EPA standard.
New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. always recommends that you use the cleanest source of water available, whenever possible.
