Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

Stéfani Water Purifiers – the Stéfani water purifiers are called purifiers, not
filters because they not only filter the water, but purify it.

1- Water Filtration: Water filtration is commonly known as the process of

retaining suspended particles from the water, making it crystalline, it is the
first purifying process. In the Stéfani Water Purification Systems the water
filtration is done by the micro porous ceramic wall made from diatomic earthy
materials that retains solid particles of up to 0.5 microns (approximately 2000
times smaller than a sand grain). The activated carbon present inside is also
capable of water filtration due to its extreme absorbing properties and
microscopic pore structure, however it is used in the Stéfani purification
systems only to absorb unhealthy chemicals, taste and odors since the water
filtration is previously done by the ceramic wall.

Stéfani Water Purifiers are classified as Class I under most laboratory tests.
The Classification system s defined as follows:

9 Class I: Filters that retain more than 85% of particles of up to 0.5

microns;
9 Class II: Filters that retain more than 85% of particles of up to 1.0
microns;
9 Class III: Filters that retain more than 85% of particles of up to 5.0
microns;
9 Class IV: Filters that retain more than 85% of particles of up to 15.0
microns;
9 Class V: Filters that retain more than 85% of particles of up to 30.0
microns;
9 Class VI: Filters that retain more than 85% of particles of up to 50.0
microns;

2- Water Sterilization: This is the second purification process and is done by

the colloidal silver applied on the inside of the micro porous ceramic wall.
Colloidal Silver is the result of an electro-magnetic process that pulls
microscopic particles from a larger piece of silver into a liquid, such as water.
These microscopic particles can more easily penetrate and travel throughout
the body. It works as a catalyst, disabling the enzyme that all one celled
bacteria, fungi and viruses use for their oxygen metabolism. In short, the bad
guys suffocate. Unlike with antibiotics, resistant strains have never been
known to develop.

The silver applied inside of the ceramic wall guarantees that the water is
sterilized while passing through it, making sure that bacteria, viruses,
microorganisms and fungi are exterminated. Afterwards, the colloidal silver
applied on the bottom chamber will guarantee that the water is kept sterilized
up until the moment of drinking.

3- Water Dechlorination and Unhealthy Chemical Absorption: This is the

third purifying process involved in the Stéfani Purification System. It is done
by the granular activated carbon made from coconut shells, which provides
excellent chemical absorption from the water. It is often used in gas masks to
purify contaminated air.
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

The Granular Activated Carbon surface properties are both hydrophobic and
oleophilic; that is, they “hate” water but “love” oil. When flow conditions are
suitable, dissolved chemicals in water flowing over the carbon surface “stick”
to the carbon in a thin film while the water passes on.

This process is called adsorption. As a result of the adsorption process,

activated carbon is an effective method in removing chlorine and it's by-
products (TTHM's) and volatile organic compounds (carbon based VOC's).
Both, man-made and naturally occurring including among others:

• alachlor • 1,2-dechloropropane
• atrazine • cis-1,3-dichloropropylene
• benzene • toxaphene
• carbofuran • chlordane
• carbon tetrachloride • radon
• chlorobenzene • lindane
• 2,4-D • simazine
• dibromochloropropane (DBCP) • PCB's
• O, P-dechlorobenzines • toluene
• forms of dichloroethylens • xylenes etc., etc
• mercury • lead
• iron • copper
• zinc • cadmium

There is also a classification for chlorine retention, for which the Stéfani Purifier is
classified as a Class I1, absorbing more than 96,1 % of free chlorine.

Class I: Free chlorine absorption of more than 75% or higher;

Class II: Free chlorine absorption of 50% to 74,9%;

Class III: Free chlorine absorption of 25% to 49,9%.

How does de Stéfani Purification System Compare to other Counter-top Filters?

• the Stéfani Purification System has a more effective particle retention

membrane, therefore filters the water more finely;
• they are longer lasting then other commonly used filters , each Stefani candle
lasts 700 liters while some those of others only support 151 liters;
• besides filtering and dechlorinating the water, the stéfani purifiers also sterilize
the water by the properties of colloidal silver;
• they have a higher biodegradable composition percentage;

1
The water purification claims above refer only to certain models of water purifiers
manufactured by Stéfani and tested in various laboratories around the world, not
necessarily extending to all the purifiers manufactured by the provider. The Stéfani
Water Purifiers are meant to be used in order to greatly improve the water quality level
of its users, but used only with previously treated municipal water.
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

• they cool the water naturally using the natural evaporative properties of
terracotta;
• they are handmade by Brazilian Artists, being considered an artistic expression
of the Brazilian culture, therefore also used as decorative products.

Bellow you will find a few specifications on the major water filtering & purifying
devices available.

The simple yet effective carbon water filter

These systems are easy to install, relatively inexpensive,

and cover the basic functions of filtration. Water filter
charcoal medium carbon is derived from coconut husk .
This absorbs impurities as the water passes through. This
form of filter comprises possibly 95% of those in use
domestically. They are simple to install, relatively
economical, and depending on micron level, will filter out the most deadly of
contaminants, Cryptosporidium and Guardia.

An average charcoal filter will last a family 6-9 months. Some charcoal filters
are enhanced by the use of activated nano-silver, which provides extra
antibacterial protection, killing around 650 known types of organisms.
Minerals in solution can still permeate a charcoal filter. These minerals are
essential to health.

In situations where sediment is a problem it is worthwhile to add a second

separate in-line sediment pre filter. Otherwise the more expensive charcoal
filter will become clogged up long before its normal lifespan.

Charcoal water filters come in various forms

a. Carbon Block is a solidified form of honeycombed carbon. It is the best form

of filter but flow rate is significantly slower than with loose charcoal.

b. Activated Silver Impregnated Charcoal. Sometimes called Chlorgon, this

adds chloramine exclusion and bacteria killing ability to the basic carbon.

c. Micron Rating.

Anything 1 micron rating or below will inhibit Cryptosporidium and Guardia

as the cysts are larger than this in size. Viruses cannot be inhibited by a filter
with a micron rating of more than 0.01 microns.

Carbon filters cannot change the pH balance of the water. If you have acidic
water, you will still have acidic water, as the minerals causing the acidity will
be dissolved and therefore will pass through the carbon filter.

Carbon filters may be susceptible to mould attack if left unused over extended
periods. It is important to realize that a filter gathers the 'garbage' in your tap
water, and the organic component of this garbage is quite capable of rotting.
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

Add a little summer humidity to the already damp internals of a carbon filter
and you may have a mould attack. Taste will always be the deciding factor,
and if the taste of the water suddenly changes after an extended period of non-
use, such as your annual vacation, change the filter.

Note also that carbon filters reduce in efficiency the longer they are in use. For
this reason regular filter replacement is essential
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

2. Water Distillers

People believed that the purest water had the least chance of
allowing harmful organisms to enter the body, and distillation
certainly rids water of all impurities. However in recent years
there has been growing awareness of distilled water's effects
on the balance of minerals in the body, plus the acidic result
that a typical distiller creates.
People now realize that dissolved minerals in the water are
more natural than pure water, and serve an important function
in supporting the body's immune system and metabolism.

3. Ceramic Water Filters

Ceramic water filters come as a cartridge that fits a normal bench top filter. At
the core of the ceramic filter element is Diatomaceous Earth, a fossil
substance, made up of tiny silicon shells left by trillions of microscopic, one
celled algae called diatoms that have inhabited the waters of the earth for the
last 150 million years.

Some ceramic filters incorporate nano-silver impregnated into a porous

ceramic outer shell that can trap bacteria down to as low as .22 of a micron in
particle size [1/100,000 of an inch].

Laboratories consider a filtering medium with an effective pore size of .01

micron to .45 micron to be bacteriologically sterile and .45 micron to 1.0
micron to be bacteriologically safe. Re growth of bacteria that becomes trapped
either on the outside of the element or in the ceramic's pores is controlled by
the silver which, on contact with water, releases small quantities of positively
charged metals ions.

These ions are taken into the enzyme system of the bacteria's cell and thereby
neutralize it. The flow rate of the ceramic filter can be renewed by brushing its
outer surface under running water. As the top layer of ceramic and
contaminants are brushed off and flushed away, a new layer becomes
available.

Flow rate of ceramic water filters are slow.

4. Reverse Osmosis Systems

Originally developed to process water in submarines, the reverse osmosis

process basically draws water through an extremely fine membrane. The
membrane act like an extremely fine filter to create
drinkable water from salty (or otherwise contaminated)
water. The contaminated water is put on one side of the
membrane and pressure is applied to stop, and then
reverse, the osmotic process. It generally takes a lot of
pressure and is fairly slow, but it works. The result is
extremely finely filtered water.
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

However, as already mentioned, water without minerals can be a health

problem. Dr. Zoltan Rona has authored an excellent paper on 'Pure
Water' recommending in no uncertain terms against its continued
consumption. According to the U.S. EPA, "Distilled water (which is
identical to RO water ~Ed), being essentially mineral-free, is very
aggressive, in that it tends to dissolve substances with which it is in
contact. Notably, carbon dioxide from the air is rapidly absorbed,
making the water acidic and even more aggressive. Many metals are dissolved by
distilled water." Dr Rona adds; "Longevity is associated with the regular consumption
of hard water (high in minerals). Disease and early death is more likely to be seen with
the long term drinking of distilled water." As Reverse Osmosis produced water is
identical in nature to distilled water we can make the same assumptions.

5. Ultra Violet Radiation Systems

UV systems use high frequency light to irradiate water through a glass

element. Water passing the element is exposed to the light, which kills all
living organisms.

UV systems are very common in Third world hotels etc where the possibility of
serious disease occurring from local water consumption is high, especially
from fecal matter in the water.

Although an excellent sterilizing system, it is impossible to know whether the

system is always working without a laboratory analysis of the output water.
For this reason the more sophisticated systems incorporate an hour counter
so a new element can be replaced at a safe interval.

6. THE NEW TECHNOLOGY: A Quantum Leap

In the last forty years there have been amazing advances in water filtration
technology. This has come in part from the work of Russian scientists on
ionized water, but also from the research of Viktor Schauberger, an Austrian
inventor who recognizes that water was far more than something to wash
garbage out of our body and quench thirst. His work found that water indeed
has a memory, and that this memory can be restored. The systems you will
now see all go at least some way to fulfilling the dreams of these inspired
pioneers.

Let's begin with Magnetic Systems

Fundamentally, this involves passing the water over or through a magnetic

field. This has the effect of re-arrangement of atoms, or ions in the water.
However without the fundamental 'splitting' of water ions that occurs in a
Water Ionizer (H2O into OH- and HO) lasting change is not possible, even
though many claims are made by the various manufacturers.
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

Magnetic De-scalers

Magnetic units do not filter or change pH. Some magnetic

systems are used as de-scalers for pipes in hard water
areas, for which they may work well.

Single Flow Magnetic Plus filter:

When water flows through a magnetic field (whether it is electrically induced

or induced using magnetic media such as Magnetite), it experiences a
polarization of minerals and a change in the ionization of these minerals. The
result can be softer water, 'smaller' water molecules that may give far greater
hydration, and a limited form of negative ionization of the water, imparting
some antioxidant effect.

Although single flow systems certainly work to some degree, the fact that they
do not split the water into magnetically opposite streams (acid and alkaline)
means that they will reform within a short period and therefore must be
consumed immediately.

Energetic water treatment

These are systems that use no power, but rely on the technology pioneered by
Austrian Viktor Schauberger. Basically, they reconfigure incoming water by
passing it through a vortex system that softens and re-energizes the water.
They do not, in most cases, filter the water. They are usually attached to the
house water inlet pipe so they can service the whole house.

Far Infra Red Systems

A number of systems include the use of Far Infra Red Energy.

This is a completely natural form of energy that emanates from
certain minerals, the most effective being the semi-precious
gem, Tourmaline. Other minerals are used, often under
proprietary brand exotic names, to enhance their perceived
ability. Far Infra Red energy (FIR) has the ability to soften
water, to negatively charge it, and to restructure it into smaller molecular
clusters which may assist in hydration of the body. Most systems use FIR by
including it in the replaceable filter.

Catalytic Converters

These systems use technology not unlike that

used to control emissions in our modern car.
They convert heavy metals, chlorine, pollutants
and viruses into harmless oxidized form,
breaking them down to their basic elements.

The research and proven technology for this

Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

comes from Estonia (former USSR) and has been used to manufacture
systems that can be rushed to drought or conflict areas, throw a hose into a
stagnant pool, and supply fresh, safe water immediately - to World Health
Organization standards. Because they do not filter the water, they need no
filter and domestic models will last up to 1,000,000 liters. They also negatively
charge the water and alkalize it. There is only one such system available
worldwide.

Water Ionizers - Electrolyzed Alkaline Water Filters

Forty years ago Russian scientists devised a simple method of separating

water into two streams of alkaline mineral rich water and acid mineral rich
water. They used a series of magnetically charged plates and a ceramic
separator filament. As water passed between the plates, the magnetic field
drew alkaline minerals to one side of the ceramic filament, and acid to the
other.

Today alkaline and acid water is used in a huge number of hospitals and
clinics, both for consumption and wound healing in place of expensive drug
regimens, and the technology soon spread to Japan and Korea. Large
companies like Akai, Panasonic, Toyo and Jupiter Science manufacture the
bulk of the world's systems, with a combined output of well over one million
units per annum. Korean alkalizes have taken the lead with the introduction
of Far Infra Red technology to their systems.

A water alkalize may be attached to the kitchen tap or installed under sink. It
filters the water first, and then alkalizes and acidifies it via the ionizing
chamber, creating the two streams of water.

Alkaline water is used for drinking, with many, many people reporting health
improvement and reduction of acid symptoms. Acid water is used for dermal
application, with similarly, many users reporting improvement. It may also be
used for household cleaning because it is a powerful antiseptic. Domestic
models will provide water at the same rate as a kitchen tap.

Some other systems make claims of alkalizing your water but do not
guarantee it. The catalytic converter (See No. 5) will alkalize approximately one
pH point (ten times the input pH) but a water alkalizer can alkalize up to
1,000 times more than tap water - depending, of course, on input water. Other
systems depend on the addition of calcium to the filter to achieve alkalization.

Your water must have minerals in to facilitate the magnetic process. For this
reason water supplies that hold very little minerals may not be as suitable.

7. Other Water Filters

We have not been able to include all systems here. There is a plethora of small
household systems on the supermarket shelves. They are almost all carbon-
based and have small capacity filters. Although they may do a good job, we
have not bothered to include them. In general they do not represent good
value.
Research provided by Ceramica Stefani May 14, 2007

There is also a range of systems that we call the "Spin Doctor Specials". These
use massive advertising campaigns enlisting the assistance of celebrities and
tied dealers to convince you through fear and hype that you imply must buy
their system and that all others will probably harm you.

Distasteful as it may be, it works, and I get many people who are calling me in
real fear of making the wrong decision.

So just to calm the waters (pun intended), here's a simple fact. You are not going to die
prematurely from any water system and you are not going to die from drinking tap
water. (Fingers firmly crossed) It's just the quality of life you need to think about.
Health is indeed the only wealth.

8. Bottled water

Controversy around bottled water is growing. A recent issue of Maclean’s

dated May 14th, 2007 headlines “Bottled water is the latest environmental
SIN”. Read the online article here.

Yet major players remain smug that bottled water craze is so big that Coca-
Cola and Pepsi predict that within a short time, water will create more revenue
for them than their less healthy products. By 2007 the market is expected to
double.

How does bottled water compare with free tap water?

The Weekend Australian commissioned a report by the University of

Technology, Sydney. The report stated that "the best-selling bottled water,
Mount Franklin, was no cleaner than the cheapest brand".

Yet "premium" bottled water such as Mount Franklin sells in supermarkets for
about 209,000% times more than tap water.

Dr. Grant Hose, research fellow in eco toxicology at UTS, who oversaw the
analysis, said the results showed that the notion that bottled water was
somehow more "pure" than tap water was incorrect. "Tap water is as healthy
for you as bottled water - it's no different," Dr Hose said.

The analysis tested three tap water samples and three bottled waters for
bacterial contamination, impurities that affect taste such as dissolved solids,
and other factors It also screened the samples for the minerals calcium,
magnesium, sodium (a measure of salt), fluoride and nitrate.

Neither tap nor bottled water samples had detectable bacterial contamination,
and all were well within guideline limits for the other substances.