Activated carbon filters are commonly used in processes to remove organic compounds or extract free chlorine from water, making the water suitable for wastewater or use in manufacturing processes. By removing organics in drinking water, such as humic and fulvic acids, chlorine in water can chemically react with acids to form trihalomethanes, known carcinogens that can remove all types of contaminants. prevent. For example, sodium, microbes, fluoride and nitrates cannot be removed by AC filters. Even an AC filter cannot soften water. Additionally, heavy metals such as lead can only be removed with a very specific type of activated carbon treatment that is typically only used in household filters.