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In case you don’t have access to a water filtration system, you’ll have to disinfect your drinking water manually.
© iStockphoto.com/TerryJExploring the world for unique destinations offers the chance to immerse yourself in diverse cultures. However, it also exposes you to risks such as traveler’s diarrhea (TD) or even dysentery, since many regions lack safe drinking water for consumption and cooking.
When visiting developing nations, you might have been advised not to drink the local water. While that seems simple, many may not realize just how much of their food and drink comes into contact with water. With anywhere between 20 to 50 percent of all travelers experiencing TD annually, the condition can strike during or even after your journey [source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control]. Escherichia coli, or E. Coli, is the primary cause. This bacterial pathogen can lead to severe illness and even death in rare cases. Moreover, bacteria in these regions affect 210 million children each year and result in 38,000 fatalities [source: Newswise]. The World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledge viral bacteria as a significant health threat.
If you’re now concerned about drinking water away from home, there’s a solution. The SteriPEN is a handy device designed to purify water, making it safe for drinking and cooking. Shaped like a large nasal spray bottle, the SteriPEN is a portable tool that uses ultraviolet light to disinfect water, ensuring it’s safe for consumption. So, how do these travel gadgets function, and how do you pick the right SteriPEN for your needs?
Next, we’ll explore how this incredible travel tool actually works.
How the SteriPEN Works
Breaking down the SteriPEN’s name gives you a pretty clear idea of its function. The SteriPEN looks like a pen and is used to sterilize water. Simple, right? But what’s truly fascinating is how the SteriPEN removes harmful pathogens from water. The secret? Ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet light is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. While it can have harmful effects (which is why we use sunscreen), when exposed to contaminated water, it disables bacteria and viruses from reproducing. Once the DNA or RNA in the pathogen absorbs the UV light, it loses the ability to multiply, effectively neutralizing the organism and making it harmless to humans.
The SteriPEN’s mechanics are straightforward: It features a long, transparent wand that glows like a neon or fluorescent tube light. The wand attached to the SteriPEN’s body allows the UV light to penetrate the water. Every SteriPEN model operates in the same way: the small mechanical body generates UV light, and the wand distributes it evenly throughout the water. Each model has its own cleaning cycle, with times varying by design.
It’s important to know that while UV light sterilizes water, it doesn’t remove odors or tastes like chemical or carbon filtration would. The ideal solution for water purification combines sediment and particle removal, followed by carbon filtration, and then UV light sterilization. This device won’t eliminate unpleasant smells or discoloration in the water, but it will kill harmful bacteria such as E. Coli that cause traveler’s diarrhea, helping to keep you healthy on your journey.
Now that you understand how the SteriPEN works, let’s take a look at some of its features and learn how to use it effectively.
You don’t necessarily need the latest travel gadget to protect yourself from bacteria. Researchers from the University of Texas tested a new patch in 2008 designed to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Of the 170 travelers involved in the study, 59 received the vaccine. Among these, three developed diarrhea, with only one case being severe. Of the 111 travelers who didn’t use the patch, 24 suffered moderate to severe diarrhea, and 12 cases were considered serious [source: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston].
How to Use the SteriPEN
There are five SteriPEN models available, each designed for different scenarios, but all serving the same primary function. Whether you opt for the Classic, Adventurer, Traveler, Protector, or Journey, you’ll need to select the model that best suits your needs.
Once you’ve chosen the right model for you, using the SteriPEN is simple. To purify water, just place the wand into your cup or bottle of water for the recommended amount of time, and voilà—you’ll have sterilized water. Some models come with adapters to make this process even easier. For example, the Journey and Classic can be attached to a standard water bottle. Additionally, silicone bottle toppers are available to convert bottles of various sizes into ones that fit standard openings, allowing you to securely use the SteriPEN.
The most effective method for sterilizing water involves using a particle or sediment filter along with a carbon filter, followed by UV sterilization. The designers of the SteriPEN were aware of this, so they offer a pre-filter that removes particles as tiny as four microns.
If you're the type of traveler who stays in hotels, dines at restaurants, and doesn’t stray too far off the beaten path, the SteriPEN Classic or Journey might be your ideal choice. These models are designed to work seamlessly with water bottles. However, if you’re embarking on more adventurous journeys to remote destinations, you may want the SteriPEN Adventurer, Traveler, or Protector. These are more compact models, perfect for those who don’t have room for a large water bottle while exploring places like Mexico City or Paris. No matter which model you choose, using a SteriPEN for UV sterilization can significantly reduce your risk of contracting a viral infection, so you can focus on enjoying your travels.
For further information on travel gadgets and related topics, feel free to explore the next section.
