Berkey in the face of the classification of money by EPA in the United States

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Money itself is not considered a pesticide. However, silver compounds, such as silver nitrate and silver ions (AG+), are recognized for their antimicrobial properties. Due to this antimicrobial activity, certain forms of money, are used in products to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.

In the United States, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or fungi are regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that if a product contains money (for example, in the form of nanoparticles) and claims to have antimicrobial properties, it could be considered as a pesticide in the eyes of the law and would be subject to specific regulations. 

Berkey and its manufacturing units responded to EPA request by classifying their filtration products as "treated devices". This classification differs from that of a pesticide or an antiparasitic device. The reason for this classification is the incorporation of money (a recorded pesticide) in their filter media. It should be noted that this money is not transferred to filtered water. Money is an additive frequently used in water filters because it protects the filter against biological growth, a recurring issue with these devices. In Europe, many filtration brands, not subject or independent of the regulation of American EPA, also use money in their filters. For examples, refer to the brands sold in France listed at the bottom of the page

Berkey did not hide EPA and tried to comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning the manufacture and distribution of Berkey products. First, Berkey products were designated by EPA as treated devices; The EPA then reinterpreted their rules and arbitrarily reclassatively reclassified the Berkey filters as a pesticide, issuing prescriptions (without regular procedure) preventing the sale of Berkey filters in certain parts of the country by certain resellers and Berkey sellers who have received orders 'Sales stop. This change in the rules is without notice or the shadow of legal support. Berkey filters are not "substances or mixtures of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel or alleviate any devastating", as the Fifra defines pesticides. Instead, they mechanically eliminate contaminants through a tortuous labyrinth of micropores, absorption and ion adsorption.⁶

A problem arises when a water filtration system is classified as approved pesticide because a multitude of regulations and time requirements come into play, including expensive labeling requirements that must be placed on all packaging. Basically, the regulations that require labels to be affixed to the packaging claim that the product is a dangerous material. The other required labels include warnings on dangers, danger to environmental, use and storage instructions, elimination declarations and compulsory declarations that guarantee the appropriate use of pesticide And prevent the appearance of unreasonable harmful effects on the environment, which is defined in Fifra, etc. . So, Berkey would be required to label his water filters with a pesticide language which could be very disconcerting and frightening for its customers, especially when similar and competitors are not subject to the same standards or requirements. In addition, recording pesticides is an expensive process that can take years to obtain EPA approval and, in the meantime, Berkey products would not be available for the American public.

Here is a list of manufacturers using money in their filters

1. Doulton: They produce ceramic filters imbued with money to inhibit bacterial growth.

2. Aquatru: Some of their systems use filters with antimicrobial properties, of which money can be part.

3. Eureka Forbes (Aquaguard): In some countries, this brand is quite popular and uses money in its filters.

4. Samsung: In some of its refrigerators with water and ice distributors, Samsung uses a silver coating for its antimicrobial properties.

5. LG: Like Samsung, LG has also incorporated money into some of its water purification systems for refrigerators.

6. Sawy: Some portable filters of this brand incorporate money.

7. Zerowater: Although mainly focused on reducing total dissolved solids (TDS), this brand also uses money in some of its products to prevent bacterial growth.

8. Lifestraw: Some of their products use money combined with other filtration technologies.

9. Brita: Although mainly known for its activated carbon filters, certain versions of Brita filters contain money to inhibit bacterial growth inside the filter.

10. Katadyn: This brand is popular among hikers and travelers. Some of their products, such as Katadyn Pocket, use ceramic money to prevent microbial growth.

11. Berkey: Black Berkey filtration elements incorporate money into their formulation to add an antimicrobial barrier.

12. Pureit: This brand, popular in several countries, uses money as an antimicrobial agent in some of its water purifiers.

13. Aquacera: Offers ceramic filters that contain money to prevent bacterial growth.

14. APEC Water Systems: Some of their filters incorporate money for its antimicrobial properties.

15. 3m: This multinational offers filters that contain money, especially for industrial or commercial uses.

16. Culligan: Known for a varied range of water treatment solutions, Culligan has also explored the use of money in some of its products.

17. Espring (AMWAY): Their water purifier uses UV treatment combined with other technologies, and some of their products have been reported to use money.

18. Pentair: Offers a variety of water treatment solutions, including filters that incorporate money.

19. Steripen: Although mainly known for its portable UV water purifiers, some of their products associate this technology with silver filters.

20. Biocera: Offers ceramic filters containing money.

21. Propur: Some of their water filtration systems use filters combining several materials, including money.

22. Bekerfeld: Berkefeld filters are similar to Doulton filters, which are also in ceramic and use money to prevent bacterial growth. These ceramic filters are porous, allowing the water to flow while holding the contaminants. The addition of money improves their ability to prevent bacterial growth inside the filter, thus offering additional protection.