Q. Are the white particles seen in the water purifier impurities? Are they harmful to health?
A. The white particles are mostly mineral components such as calcium and magnesium.
These are natural minerals (inorganic substances) that naturally exist in water and are different from harmful contaminants.
📌 FDA’s Position
“Mineral water contains not less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids (TDS) and comes from a protected underground source.”
— FDA 21 CFR §165.110
In other words, the FDA officially defines water containing a certain level of dissolved minerals (TDS) as “mineral water,” and classifies it as a safe food product.
The FDA also permits inorganic minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) naturally present in drinking water as long as they do not exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
💡 Why do these particles appear?
When water is boiled or left for a long time, or when
-
the temperature changes, or
-
the pressure changes,
the dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium can crystallize into visible particles.
This is NOT caused by:
❌ bacterial growth
❌ contamination
❌ rust
It is simply a physical change of natural minerals.
🥛 Conclusion
The white particles seen in water purifiers are mostly natural minerals (calcium and magnesium), and according to FDA standards, an appropriate amount of minerals is considered safe and normal.
Therefore, the presence of these particles does not necessarily indicate poor water quality.
In fact, it may even be a sign that minerals are present.
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