Activated carbon is a special form of charcoal that can be porous by processing at very high temperatures. Historically, it has been used to clean water. In the 18th and 19th centuries, scientists demonstrated the efficacy of activated carbon as an antidote in medical emergencies. Knowledge of the application of activated carbon is developing, and so is the "activation" process.
[u]granular activated carbon price[/u] Usually, carbon rich materials (such as branches and shells) are burned at very high temperatures to obtain an odorless black fine powder (charcoal). Further treatment involves systematically passing it through a range of chemicals at very high temperatures, such as oxygen, steam, certain acids and other substances. This process makes the material more porous in nature. The increase of surface area makes activated carbon an excellent adsorbent. The molecules of toxins and some chemical substances are trapped in the cracks on the surface of activated carbon mainly through physical phenomena and to some extent through electrical phenomena.
Application of activated carbon
Activated carbon captures chemicals and prevents them from being absorbed in the body. The various uses of activated carbon are attributed to its adsorption properties.
Emergency detoxification
Activated carbon is the most widely used emergency treatment for poisoning. Overdoses of prescription drugs (such as sedatives) and over-the-counter drugs (such as painkillers) can be treated with 50-100 grams of activated carbon mixed with water or sweeteners.
The application time of activated carbon is very important. If taken within five minutes of ingestion, the chance of damage will be minimized. The longer the time of drug overdose and active carbon use, the greater the chance of drug absorption into systemic circulation. In some cases, doctors also use multiple doses of activated carbon to completely remove toxins from the gut. However, in the case of heavy metal poisoning, the effect of activated carbon as an antidote is limited.
Activated carbon does not absorb absolute alcohol, so it is not an alternative treatment in the case of alcoholism. However, since alcohol is usually mixed with other liquids, activated carbon can reduce the toxic effects of these liquids, thus reducing the severity of alcoholism symptoms. Some doctors also think it's useful for preventing hangovers.
Trimethyluria
Patients with trimethyl anuria (a genetic disease characterized by urine, sweat and fishy breath) can benefit from the use of activated carbon. The accumulation of odor trimethylamine can be reduced by adsorption with activated carbon after multiple administration. In addition, activated carbon is also used to reduce gas emissions and abdominal distension after gas production.
Cholesterol levels
Scientists have also found that activated carbon can help lower cholesterol levels in a number of clinical studies. The bile acid and high fat content of food is adsorbed on the surface of activated carbon in the intestine. This, in turn, reduces the absorption of fat from the gut. In addition, in one study, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad cholesterol") levels decreased, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good cholesterol") levels increased.
Water filtration
Today, the traditional application of activated carbon as a water cleaner is still very important. Activated carbon filter can effectively remove fluoride and other heavy metals. However, it is not useful for removing viruses and bacteria from water. Therefore, modern water purifiers contain a variety of filter components for different types of impurities.
Teeth Whitening
It can also be used as a tooth whitening agent. Brushing with activated carbon twice a week can help whiten teeth that have been contaminated by tea, coffee or alcohol for a long time.
Although the reliability of these claims has not been well demonstrated in clinical practice, activated carbon is also said to be effective in treating skin diseases such as acne and snake bites. Also, it is often used as a household mold cleaner for floors, hard surfaces and edges.
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