Activated Charcoal
- Claudia Fourie
- Feb 26, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 11, 2024
Activated Charcoal binds toxins preventing their absorption into the body.
It is a fine black powder made from various sources like coconut shells, wood, or coal, and it is treated to become "activated," which means it has a highly porous surface. The porous structure allows activated charcoal to bind to certain toxins and chemicals, preventing their absorption into the body and facilitating their elimination.
Why is the Charcoal so fascinating?
Nowadays, it’s commonly utilized in medical settings to treat drug overdoses or as an emergency anti-poison remedy.
When you swallow activated charcoal, it reaches your gut in its unchanged form.
The charcoal’s porous texture has a negative electrical charge, which causes it to attract positively charged molecules, such as toxins and gases.
As liquids or gases pass through this activated charcoal, they bind to it through a process known as adsorption.
These toxins and chemicals get trapped in your gut and are eliminated through stool instead of being absorbed into your body.
Activated charcoal is also effective at absorbing gases, which can help reduce flatulence.
What is Charcoal used for?
Detoxifying Properties Toxin and Poison Ingestion: Activated charcoal is commonly used in emergencies to treat certain types of poisoning or overdose. It adsorbs toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Water Filtration: Activated charcoal is employed in water treatment processes to absorb impurities, contaminants, and pollutants. It is an effective method for purifying water, providing a cleaner and safer drinking supply.
Air Purification: Activated charcoal is used in air purifiers and filters to capture and remove odors, allergens, and airborne pollutants. It helps improve indoor air quality by adsorbing various volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How to use Activated Charcoal?
Activated Charcoal is a great first-aid capsule, often used in emergency rooms to treat overdoses.
It is known for its toxin-absorbing properties.
The person must take Activated Charcoal within 1-4 hours of consuming a toxin in order for it to work!
It cannot work if the person has already digested the toxin or drug and it is no longer in the stomach.
Please note that Activated Charcoal cannot bind to ALL types of toxins in drugs, especially corrosive ones, like:
Alcohols, LyeIron, Lithium, Petroleum products, such as fuel oil, gasoline (petrol ), paint thinners, and some cleaning products
While a person is alert and conscious, doctors may give them a drink mixed with a powdered form of activated charcoal mixed in water. Hospital staff may administer these mixtures via a feeding tube.
The person must take Activated Charcoal within 1-4 hours of consuming a toxin in order for it to work! It cannot work if the person has already digested the toxin or drug and it is no longer in the stomach. Never treat an overdose or poisoning at home.
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