Understanding Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a special type of carbon that has been processed to make it extremely porous and thus to have a very large surface area. This unique structure allows activated charcoal to trap toxins and chemicals, making activated charcoal powder useful for water filtration, as a poison treatment, and various other purposes.
The Creation and Processing of Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is most often made from materials like coconut shells or coal which are first burned and exposed to steam and hot gasses to create a carbon rich material. This material then undergoes an activation process which further develops pores and increases surface area dramatically through exposure to chemicals and/or high temperatures.
Reasons to Activate Charcoal
Activation gives charcoal pores that create internal spaces and channels that can capture, bind, and hold substances effectively. Just a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder can have a surface area comparable to an entire football field!
Mechanisms and Modes of Action
There are a variety of mechanisms through which activated charcoal interacts with substances thanks to its porous changed carbon structure. The ways activated charcoal works makes it useful for many purification, filtration, cleansing, and medicinal applications.
Adsorption
A key mechanism is adsorption, whereby molecules bind to the surface of the carbon material. Activated charcoal adsorbs unwanted gases and compounds either trapping them or reacting with them chemically.
Absorption
Activated charcoal also absorbs compounds, allowing them to gather on and sink into the charcoal. This is helped by its porous structure, as the pores can absorb and trap large amounts of substances.
Filtration
In addition to adsorbing and absorbing impurities in fluids, activated carbon filters out compounds as the fluid passes through, with contaminants getting caught in its extensive micro, meso and macro pore network structure.
Common Applications and Uses
Some of the most frequent uses that capitalize on these unique properties of activated charcoal are medical treatments, air and water purification methods, digestive cleanses, and even cosmetic applications.
Toxin and Poison Treatment
Historically used as an antidote for overdoses and poisonings, activated charcoals binds to pesticides, drugs, venom, metabolic waste and other toxins so they can pass safely through the gastrointestinal tract without harming bodily tissues or organs.
Water Filtration
From whole house water filters to portable travel bottles with build in filtration systems, activated charcoals is often used to adsorb contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals and even some microplastics for cleaner, purer drinking water.
Air Purifying
Activated charcoal filters help clean indoor air spaces by effectively adsorbing and neutralizing odors, mold, bacteria, smoke residues, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants floating in the air.
Dosing Guidelines and Side Effects
Those using activated charcoal supplements, capsules or powders should follow evidence-based guidelines concerning dosage and timing to maximize potential benefits while preventing adverse events.
Typical Doses
For acute poisoning, the necessary activated charcoal dose can be quite high at 25-100g. Supplement doses vary from 1.5-3g for digestive use, 500-1000mg/day for general detox, and even 10-25mg for some skin products.
Precaution and Risks
Activated charcoal preventing nutrient absorption is a concern with longer term, higher dose supplement use. Also beware of activated charcoal interacting with both over-the-counter and prescription medications potentially making them less effective.
Used occasionally and correctly, activated carbon is considered safe for most adults. Monitoring charcoal detox effects and discussing supplement use with doctors ensures best outcomes.
FAQs
How is activated charcoal made?
Activated charcoal is created by burning a source of carbon like wood or coconut shells, then exposing the material to high temperatures, steam or various chemicals to develop an expansive internal pore structure used to trap substances.
What allows activated charcoal to filter toxins?
Processing gives activated charcoal an incredibly porous structure and huge surface area that works through adsorption and absorption to capture, bind to, and trap a variety of compounds that can then pass safely through the body.
Is it safe to take activated charcoal supplements?
Occasionally using activated charcoal supplements under 1g is generally safe for most people. But high or long-term use can prevent proper nutrient absorption from your GI tract. Checking with your doctor is advised if on medications.
Can activated charcoal whiten teeth?
Early research shows activated charcoal toothpaste may help remove surface stains to whiten teeth. However, some dentists have concerns it may be too abrasive with regular use and inadvertently damage tooth enamel over time.
What are signs I've taken too much activated charcoal?
Call your doctor if experiencing constipation over several days, slowed digestion, sulfur or rotten egg burps, black stool, vomiting, diarrhea or other GI issues after using activated charcoal products which may indicate excessive doses.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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