Activated carbon: uses and care
Activated carbon can be useful to filter water, deodorize and remove toxic and radioactive substances
Edited and resized image by Adrien Olichon is available on UnsplashActivated charcoal is a material obtained from the controlled burning of certain types of wood. As it can be made from coconut husks and cork waste, activated carbon is a very porous material, with excellent filtering, deodorizing and removal of toxic and radioactive substances. It is widely used in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, filtering and water purification systems. Since ancient times, it has been used for therapeutic purposes.
Uses of activated carbon
Activated charcoal has a therapeutic use that dates back to the times of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and American Indians. But it was not until the 19th century that its benefits were first exposed, when French pharmacist Gabriel Bertrand consumed a fatal amount of arsenic trioxide (capable of killing 150 people) publicly, and showed no significant effects. This is because he had added an amount of activated carbon to the substance.
Until today, it has been used in cases of intoxication, as it reduces the absorbable amount of toxic substances, with minimal side effects, eliminating them in the feces. However, in cases of poisoning from strong acids or bases, such as iron, lithium, arsenic, methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol, activated carbon may be ineffective. In a controlled study of acute poisoning by pesticides and yellow oleander seeds (an extremely toxic plant), the administration of activated charcoal did not affect the survival rate of patients.
- Should we be concerned about pyrethroids from insecticides?
In cases of poisoning, activated charcoal proved to be useful when it was ingested within hours of the occurrence. Ingestion after two hours of poisoning showed no effects.
But, in addition to being used in some cases of intoxication, activated carbon is widely used to eliminate bad odors from refrigerators and to eliminate impurities from the water. However, since it concentrates all the impurities in its pores, it must be replaced with new activated charcoal periodically.
In the formulation of products for animal feed, activated charcoal acts as an adsorbent for toxins, being classified by Normative Instruction 13/2004 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply as a technological additive.
Activated charcoal to whiten teeth
Edited and resized image by Chris Slupski is available on UnsplashThe use of activated charcoal to whiten teeth is increasingly common. However, its effectiveness for this type of use is disputed by experts in the field of dentistry. This is because the application of activated charcoal promotes the wear of tooth enamel in a way that increases the vulnerability of the teeth.
- How to Whiten Teeth with Eight Home Methods
Brazilian legislation
In Brazilian legislation, activated carbon is classified as a flammable solid for spontaneous combustion, being considered dangerous for transport. The law defines that it is the responsibility of the carrier to check the feasibility and safety of transport, as well as verify the limitations for the chosen modal, establish its classification, use certified packaging, with a compatible risk label for the class and division of the product, document and store in safe condition.
Side Effects and Safety
Activated charcoal is safe for most adults when used on a short-term basis. Its side effects include constipation, diarrhea and more serious ones such as dehydration and lung problems.
- What is constipation?
During pregnancy it can be used in the short term. But, if you are pregnant or nursing, seek medical help to better support your decision on whether or not to take the substance.
Interactions
Activated charcoal can interact with ipecac syrup and alcohol. In the latter case, alcohol can reduce the action of activated carbon on the absorption of poison.
In general, drugs taken orally can have their absorption reduced by activated charcoal. To avoid this interaction, take activated charcoal for at least one hour after taking the medications by mouth.
Dosage
Adults
Orally, in case of drug overdose or poisoning, consumption of 50 to 100 grams of activated charcoal is indicated, followed, after two to four hours, by consumption of 12.5 grams per hour. Sometimes a single dose of 25 to 100 grams of activated charcoal can be enough. The need for repeated doses should be evaluated by a physician.
Kids
Orally, in case of drug overdose or poisoning, the consumption of ten to 25 grams of activated charcoal is recommended for children up to one year of age. For children from 1 to 12 years of age, it is recommended to consume 25 to 50 grams of activated charcoal. The need to repeat the same dose should be evaluated by a physician or physician.