Activated charcoal

Activated Charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to have small, low-volume pores. These pores increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Activated charcoal is commonly used in emergency treatment for certain kinds of poisoning and overdoses. It is also used in air and water filters due to its ability to trap toxins and chemicals.

History

The use of activated charcoal dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians used it for medicinal purposes and the Ancient Greeks wrote about its use for water purification. In the 20th century, activated charcoal became popular in the medical field for its ability to adsorb toxins.

Production

Activated charcoal is produced by heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust, to very high temperatures. This 'activation' process strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and frees up bonding sites. The resulting product is a highly porous version of charcoal with a large surface area that is excellent for adsorption.

Uses

Activated charcoal is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Medical uses: In medicine, activated charcoal is used to treat poisonings and overdoses following oral ingestion. It is not effective for a number of poisonings including strong acids or alkali, cyanide, iron, lithium, arsenic, methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol. Incorrect application results in pulmonary aspiration, which can sometimes be fatal if immediate medical treatment is not initiated.

• Water purification: Activated charcoal is used to purify water, as it adsorbs a wide variety of pollutants in the water.

• Air purification: It is also used in air purification systems and in personal protective equipment, such as respirators, due to its ability to adsorb pollutants and toxins in the air.

Safety

While activated charcoal is generally considered safe for most applications, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider in medical applications. It can cause side effects such as black stools, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. In severe cases, it can cause gastrointestinal blockages.

See Also

• Adsorption
• Poison control center
• Water purification