How does activated charcoal work as an antidote. What are the benefits of using activated charcoal in emergency rooms. When should activated charcoal be administered for maximum effectiveness. Can activated charcoal be safely used at home for poisoning.

The Science Behind Activated Charcoal’s Adsorptive Properties

Activated charcoal is a remarkable substance with extraordinary adsorptive capabilities. But how exactly does it work? Activated charcoal is created through a special process that involves burning carbon-rich materials like wood at extremely high temperatures. This creates a highly porous charcoal structure with an immense surface area – just one teaspoon of activated charcoal has about the same total surface area as an entire football field!

This vast network of pores and crevices gives activated charcoal its powerful ability to bind to other substances through adsorption. When ingested, it can effectively trap toxins, drugs, and poisons in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This makes activated charcoal an invaluable tool in emergency medicine for treating certain types of poisoning and overdoses.

The History and Evolution of Activated Charcoal as a Medical Treatment

The medicinal use of activated charcoal dates back centuries, but its effectiveness was dramatically demonstrated in 1813. In a bold experiment, French chemist Michel Bertrand ingested a lethal dose of arsenic trioxide mixed with activated charcoal – and survived. This early demonstration paved the way for activated charcoal to become an important treatment for poisoning.

Over time, the production and activation process for medicinal charcoal has been refined and standardized. Modern activated charcoal used in hospitals is far more potent than common charcoal or burned toast. Its remarkable adsorptive properties have made it the most widely used method of gastrointestinal decontamination in emergency rooms today.

Key Milestones in Activated Charcoal’s Medical History:

• 1813: French chemist Michel Bertrand survives arsenic poisoning using activated charcoal
• Early 1900s: Activated charcoal begins to be used more widely for poisoning treatment
• 1960s-1970s: Improved manufacturing processes create more effective activated charcoal
• Present day: Activated charcoal is the standard first-line treatment for many types of poisoning

How Activated Charcoal Compares to Other Decontamination Methods

Is activated charcoal really more effective than other decontamination methods like stomach pumping? While gastric lavage or “stomach pumping” was once a common practice for poisoning, it has largely fallen out of favor. Activated charcoal has several advantages:

1. Less invasive and more comfortable for patients
2. Can be administered quickly and easily
3. Effective at binding a wide range of toxins
4. Fewer potential complications compared to gastric lavage
5. Can continue working as it passes through the digestive tract

For these reasons, activated charcoal has become the preferred method of gastrointestinal decontamination in most cases. However, supportive care remains the cornerstone of poisoning treatment. This may include IV fluids, medications to stabilize vital signs, and in some cases, specific antidotes.

The Proper Administration of Activated Charcoal in Emergency Settings

How is activated charcoal typically given in an emergency room setting? The process is relatively straightforward but requires medical supervision. The activated charcoal powder is mixed with a liquid to create a slurry. This black mixture is then given to the patient to drink or administered through a feeding tube if the patient is unable to swallow safely.

Timing is crucial when it comes to activated charcoal treatment. The sooner it’s administered after ingestion of a toxin, the more effective it will be. Ideally, activated charcoal should be given within an hour of poisoning for maximum benefit. However, it may still be helpful even several hours after ingestion for certain substances that delay gastric emptying.

Key Points for Proper Administration:

• Mix activated charcoal powder with an appropriate liquid
• Administer as soon as possible after poisoning
• Use the correct dosage based on the patient’s weight and the substance ingested
• Monitor for potential side effects like vomiting
• Consider repeated doses for certain types of poisoning

The Effectiveness of Activated Charcoal for Different Types of Poisoning

Does activated charcoal work equally well for all types of poisoning? While it’s highly effective for many substances, its efficacy can vary depending on the specific toxin involved. Activated charcoal works best for substances that are well-adsorbed to its surface and that primarily exert their toxic effects after being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Activated charcoal is particularly effective for:

• Many prescription medications
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
• Certain pesticides and herbicides
• Some recreational drugs

However, activated charcoal is less effective or ineffective for:

• Strong acids and bases
• Petroleum products
• Alcohols
• Heavy metals like iron and lithium

Medical professionals will consider the specific substance involved, the amount ingested, and the time since ingestion when deciding whether activated charcoal is an appropriate treatment.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions When Using Activated Charcoal

While activated charcoal is generally safe and well-tolerated, are there any potential side effects to be aware of? The most common side effects are relatively mild and include:

• Nausea and vomiting, often due to the gritty texture of the mixture
• Black stools
• Constipation

More serious complications can occur in rare cases, particularly if the patient is very drowsy or unconscious. There’s a risk of aspiration, where the charcoal mixture is inhaled into the lungs instead of swallowed. This is why activated charcoal should only be administered under medical supervision.

It’s also important to note that activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. For this reason, it’s crucial to inform medical staff of any regular medications being taken.

Precautions When Using Activated Charcoal:

• Only use under medical supervision
• Ensure the patient is alert and able to swallow safely
• Monitor for signs of aspiration
• Be aware of potential drug interactions
• Do not use for poisoning by corrosive substances

The Dangers of Using Activated Charcoal at Home for Poisoning

Given its effectiveness, why isn’t activated charcoal recommended for home use in cases of poisoning? While it might seem like a good idea to keep activated charcoal on hand for emergencies, attempting to treat poisoning at home can be dangerous for several reasons:

1. Delay in seeking professional medical help
2. Incorrect dosing or administration
3. Lack of proper monitoring for complications
4. Potential interference with other necessary treatments
5. Ineffectiveness against certain types of poisoning

Over-the-counter activated charcoal products are not equivalent to the medical-grade versions used in hospitals. They may be less “activated” and therefore less effective. Additionally, the dosage required for poisoning treatment is much higher than what’s typically available in OTC products – it could require hundreds of tablets to equal a single dose given in an emergency room.

It’s crucial to emphasize that any suspected poisoning should be treated as a medical emergency. The best course of action is to contact poison control or emergency services immediately rather than attempting home treatment.

Debunking Myths: Activated Charcoal for Detox and Other Health Claims

In recent years, activated charcoal has gained popularity as a “detox” supplement and is marketed for various health benefits. But are these claims supported by scientific evidence? While activated charcoal is undoubtedly effective for certain types of poisoning when used in a medical setting, many of the health claims for everyday use are not well-supported by research.

Some common myths and misconceptions about activated charcoal include:

• It can detoxify your body on a daily basis
• It’s effective for whitening teeth
• It can cure hangovers
• It improves skin health
• It can reduce cholesterol levels

While activated charcoal may have some benefits for specific conditions like reducing gas and bloating, many of these claims are exaggerated or unsupported. It’s important to approach such claims with skepticism and consult with a healthcare provider before using activated charcoal as a supplement.

Moreover, regular use of activated charcoal could potentially interfere with the absorption of nutrients and medications. This is why it’s crucial to use activated charcoal only as directed by a medical professional.

The Truth About Activated Charcoal for Everyday Use:

• Not proven effective for daily detoxification
• May have limited benefits for reducing gas and bloating
• Not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle
• Potential to interfere with nutrient and medication absorption
• Should not be used regularly without medical supervision

In conclusion, while activated charcoal is a powerful tool in emergency medicine for treating certain types of poisoning, its use should be limited to these specific medical situations under professional supervision. The widespread marketing of activated charcoal for various health benefits has outpaced the scientific evidence, and consumers should be cautious about using it as a regular supplement or “detox” aid.

Activated charcoal’s true power lies in its ability to save lives in cases of poisoning and overdose when used appropriately in a medical setting. Its remarkable adsorptive properties make it an invaluable tool for emergency healthcare providers. However, it’s crucial to remember that activated charcoal is not a panacea for all health issues and should be respected as a medical treatment rather than a casual supplement.

As research continues, we may discover new applications for activated charcoal in healthcare. For now, it remains a testament to the ingenuity of medical science – a simple substance with extraordinary capabilities when used correctly. The story of activated charcoal serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need for caution when evaluating health claims for natural products.

Activated charcoal | Poison Control

The Bottom Line

Activated charcoal keeps swallowed drugs and poisons from being absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. It’s a highly effective treatment for many poisons.

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The Full Story

When people have to go to an emergency room because of an overdose, they are often worried about getting their stomachs “pumped.” In reality, gastric lavage (stomach pumping) does not happen very often. Most overdoses are treated with supportive care. For example, if the person’s blood pressure is low, IV fluids and medications might be given to raise blood pressure. There are also a few specific antidotes that can be of great benefit. However, when gastrointestinal decontamination is performed, it is typically accomplished with a product known as “activated charcoal,” mixed and taken by mouth or feeding tube in the emergency room.

Activated charcoal is a special form of carbon that can bind other substances on its surface (adsorption). That is why it is used for water filtration. It is also used to adsorb drugs in the gut so the drugs don’t enter the body. Activated charcoal is made by burning carbon-rich materials, such as wood, at very high temperatures to create charcoal. The resulting product is a black, odorless powder. The charcoal is then “activated” through a special process that makes lots of holes and crevices on the charcoal particles to increase surface area and available binding sites. One teaspoonful of activated charcoal has about the same total surface area as a football field! In the emergency room, the black powder is mixed with a liquid and given to a poisoned patient to drink. It is typically mixed with water but it can be mixed with a sweet beverage for children. Some activated charcoal products contain a sweetener called sorbitol that adds sweetness and is also a laxative. Some studies show that pushing the poison or drug through the gut faster might also decrease the amount that is absorbed into the body.

Activated charcoal has historically been used to clean water and as a treatment for many ailments. An early demonstration of the adsorptive properties of activated charcoal occurred in 1813 when the French chemist Bertrand drank 5 grams of arsenic trioxide (a very poisonous substance) mixed with activated charcoal and survived.

The efficacy of activated charcoal depends on how quickly it is given and the poisonous substance swallowed. The sooner activated charcoal is given after a drug or chemical is swallowed, the better it works.

Some activated charcoal products sold over-the-counter make claims of adsorbing toxins and decreasing bad breath. It is not recommended to use activated charcoal at home to treat an overdose. If a poisoning is serious enough to warrant the use of activated charcoal, the person should be monitored in an emergency room. Over-the-counter products might not be as “activated” as the activated charcoal used in the emergency room so they might not be as effective. Over-the-counter activated charcoal typically comes in 250 mg tablets. To provide the same dose given in the emergency room could require hundreds of tablets.

There are some internet sites that encourage making activated charcoal at home or using other carbon sources such as burned toast or charcoal briquettes. These products are not effective and should never be used.

The few adverse effects of activated charcoal are:

• nausea and vomiting after drinking it, often in response to the gritty feeling of the mixture, and 
• vomiting and inhaling (aspirating) the activated charcoal. This could happen if the patient is very drowsy.

Overall, activated charcoal is well tolerated. There are studies that show that it works well for some ingestions and not so well for others. It is the most widely used method of gastrointestinal decontamination in emergency rooms today. 

Pela Soto, PharmD, BSHS, BS

Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Poisoned?

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1-800-222-1222


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Prevention Tips

• Do not try to treat an overdose with activated charcoal at home.
• Do not confuse burned toast or barbecue briquettes with activated charcoal; they don’t work.

This Really Happened

A physician called Poison Control from the ER to discuss a patient who had intentionally taken aspirin tablets in an effort to harm herself.  The ingestion was approximately 45 minutes earlier. The patient was awake and alert, but tearful. She claimed to have taken “several handfuls” of aspirin.

Poison Control recommended that the patient receive activated charcoal as soon as possible. It was also recommended that the emergency physician measure the aspirin concentration in her blood every 2 hours until the aspirin concentration dropped. Poison Control also recommended other laboratory tests appropriate for an aspirin overdose.

During a follow-up call from Poison Control, the nurse caring for the patient reported that the patient drank the activated charcoal without issue. Her blood aspirin concentration initially rose but then declined steadily. Once the blood aspirin concentration was down to a safe range, the patient was medically cleared and transferred to a psychiatric facility. No permanent damage was anticipated. 

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For More Information

Mayo Clinic. Activated Charcoal [Internet]. Rochester (MN). 2014 December [cited 2015 Feb 27]. 

References

Chyka PA, Seger D, Krenzelok EP, Vale JA. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. Position paper: Single-dose activated charcoal. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2005;43(2):61-87.

Hoffman RS, Howland M, Lewin N, Nelson L, Goldfrank L. Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; c2011. A1 Antidotes in depth: activated charcoal; p.108-13.

University of Kentucky. Historical production and use of carbon materials. [Internet]. 2015 January [cited 2015 Feb 27].

Erickson T. Famous (And Not So Famous) Events In Toxicological History; Activated Charcoal: Universal Antidote or Black Magic. [Internet]. AACTion Volume 13, Number 2. [Accessed 27 February 2015].

Poisoned?

Call


1-800-222-1222


or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

• Do not try to treat an overdose with activated charcoal at home.
• Do not confuse burned toast or barbecue briquettes with activated charcoal; they don’t work.

This Really Happened

A physician called Poison Control from the ER to discuss a patient who had intentionally taken aspirin tablets in an effort to harm herself.   The ingestion was approximately 45 minutes earlier. The patient was awake and alert, but tearful. She claimed to have taken “several handfuls” of aspirin.

Poison Control recommended that the patient receive activated charcoal as soon as possible. It was also recommended that the emergency physician measure the aspirin concentration in her blood every 2 hours until the aspirin concentration dropped. Poison Control also recommended other laboratory tests appropriate for an aspirin overdose.

During a follow-up call from Poison Control, the nurse caring for the patient reported that the patient drank the activated charcoal without issue. Her blood aspirin concentration initially rose but then declined steadily. Once the blood aspirin concentration was down to a safe range, the patient was medically cleared and transferred to a psychiatric facility. No permanent damage was anticipated. 

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Activated carbon. Great Russian Encyclopedia

Chemical compoundsChemical compounds

Activated carbon (active carbon), carbon absorbent with a developed porous structure. At 87–97% (by mass) it consists of carbon C, it also contains hydrogen H, oxygen O and substances introduced into activated carbon during its production. The ash content of activated carbon can be 1–15% (sometimes it is anesthetized to 0.1–0.2%).

Pores in activated carbon are classified according to their linear dimensions x (half-width – for slit-like pore model, radius – for cylindrical or spherical): x ⩽ 0.6–0.7 nm – micropores; 0.6–0.7< х< 1.5–1.6 nm – supermicropores; 1.5–1.6 < x < 100–200 nm – mesopores; x > 100–200 nm – macropores.

For adsorption in micropores (specific volume 0.2–0.6 cm ³ /g), commensurate in size with adsorbed molecules, the volume filling mechanism is mainly characteristic. Similarly, adsorption also occurs in supermicropores (specific volume 0.15–0.2 cm ³ /g) – intermediate areas between micropores and mesopores. In this region, the properties of micropores gradually degenerate, while the properties of mesopores appear.

The mechanism of adsorption in mesopores consists in the sequential formation of adsorption layers (polymolecular adsorption), which ends with the filling of pores by the mechanism of capillary condensation. For ordinary activated carbons, the specific mesopore volume is 0.02–0.10 cm ³ /g, the specific surface area is from 20 to 70 m ² /g; however, for some activated carbons (for example, clarifying ones), these figures can reach 0.7 cm ³ /g and 200–450 m ² /g, respectively.

Macropores (specific volume and surface, respectively, 0.2–0.8 cm ³ /g and 0.5–2.0 m ² /g) serve as transport channels that bring molecules of absorbed substances to the adsorption space of grains ( granules) of activated carbon. To impart catalytic properties to coal, as a rule, special additives are introduced into macro- and mesopores.

Activated carbon often contains all types of pores, and the differential distribution curve of their volume by size has 2-3 maxima. Depending on the degree of development of supermicropores, activated carbons are distinguished with a narrow distribution (these pores are practically absent) and wide (substantially developed).

Activated carbons adsorb vapors of substances with relatively high boiling points (e.g. benzene) well, volatile compounds worse (e.g. NH ₃ ). At a relative vapor pressure p _p / p _us less than 0.10–0.25 (p _p is the equilibrium pressure of the adsorbed substance, p _us is the saturation vapor pressure). Activated carbon slightly absorbs water vapor. However, at (р _р / р _us ) > 0.3–0.4, noticeable adsorption is observed, and in the case of (р _р / р _us )≈1, almost all micropores are filled with water vapor. Therefore, their presence can complicate the absorption of the target substance.

The main raw materials for the production of activated carbon are coal semi-coke, carbonaceous plant materials (eg charcoal, peat, sawdust, nut shells, fruit pits). The carbonization products of this raw material are subjected to activation (in most cases, steam-gas – in the presence of vapor H ₂ O and CO ₂ , less often – chemical, i.e. in the presence of metal salts, for example ZnCl ₂ , K ₂ S ) at 850–950 °C. In addition, activated carbon is obtained by thermal decomposition of synthetic polymers (for example, polyvinylidene chloride).

Activated carbon is widely used as an adsorbent to absorb vapors from gaseous emissions (for example, to purify air from CS ₂ ), to capture vapors of volatile solvents for the purpose of their recovery, to purify aqueous solutions (for example, sugar syrups and alcoholic beverages), drinking and waste water, in gas masks, in vacuum technology, for example, for creating sorption pumps, in gas adsorption chromatography, for filling odor absorbers in refrigerators, purifying blood, absorbing harmful substances from the gastrointestinal tract, etc. Activated carbon is also a carrier of catalytic additives and polymerization catalyst.

N. S. Polyakov. First publication: Chemical encyclopedia, 1988. Publication date: June 5, 2023 at 13:14 (GMT+3)

#Artificial materials

Artificial materials

Charcoal does not lose its relevance today

Charcoal coal – organic material consisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and about three percent of mineral impurities (ash).

Properties

Charcoal is distinguished by its porosity, high carbon content, sorption capacity (actively absorbs water and gases). It is a brittle blue-black material. Density depends on the method of preparation, on the final temperature of dry distillation in the absence of air, as well as on the feedstock (on the type of wood).

In different grades of charcoal, the percentage of carbon can vary from 70 to 95. The more carbon and the higher the density, the higher the grade of coal. The best grade “A” is made from birch and hardwoods such as oak and beech.

Charcoal is resistant to high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, organic solvents. It is paramagnetic, i.e. absorbs magnetic radiation. This is a more environmentally friendly fuel than coal, its combustion is not accompanied by the emission of greenhouse gases and harmful gases into the atmosphere.

In many areas of the economy, activated carbon is in demand, which is obtained by processing grade A charcoal. The result is a highly porous material with a large internal surface area and a carbon content of at least 94%. Activated carbon is also produced in several grades, the best is BAU-A coal – birch activated carbon.

Charcoal is very hygroscopic, so it should be stored indoors, preferably in moisture-proof bags.

Due to the shortage and long period of reforestation, technologies for processing into charcoal waste from sawmills, furniture factories, and wood processing enterprises are being actively developed.

Applications

— Nearly half of all charcoal produced is used as a high-energy fuel — for lighting barbecues, barbecues, barbecues at home and in restaurants; for home ovens.
Special quick-burning coal is used in hookahs.
– Due to its low ash content, it is used to obtain solid lubricants for machines and machine tools.
– In the chemical industry – a popular plastic filler.
– To obtain carbon disulfide, which is necessary in the production of viscose, as well as to obtain carbon tetrachloride solvent.
– It is used as a reducing agent in the smelting of non-ferrous metals, their alloys, steel, ferroalloys, high purity crystalline silicon for the radio-electronic industry.
– Charcoal is in demand in the production of high-quality pig iron as an alternative to coke, especially in countries with a shortage of coking coal. Cast iron, cast using charcoal, does not contain harmful impurities of sulfur and phosphorus, more durable and durable.
– Charcoal is processed in large quantities into activated carbon.
– Activated carbon (a derivative of charcoal) of various grades is used in the field of water treatment; for cleaning technical liquids; alcohol and sugar in food production; distillate from impurities; air from toxins and unpleasant odors; in various filtering installations, gas masks; a 3m carbon filter or other type is often used in face shields.
– BAU activated carbon is widely used in medicine as a gastric sorbent, for heartburn, gastritis, poisoning and indigestion.
– Food additive – dye E153.
– Specially fired sticks are used by artists for drawing. There are also pencils with compressed charcoal leads.
– As an additive to the earth to improve its hygroscopicity. It is sometimes used as a cure for indoor plant diseases.
– For polishing and grinding parts in printing and instrument making.
– Alder wood charcoal is needed to produce quick-burning black powder.
– Goes to the manufacture of electro-carbon parts for electrical equipment, electric motors.
– Included in charcoal animal feed.
– Insulating material in construction to absorb moisture and odors.
– In the absence of an alternative, it can be used as a fuel for automotive engines.

In the chemical store of Prime Chemicals Group you can buy BAU charcoal – birch activated charcoal at good prices. The range also includes chemical reagents and protective equipment, including a 3m carbon filter.