When you hear the words “charcoal” and “activated charcoal,” you may think they are one and the same. However, there is a big difference between the two. Charcoal is made from burning wood or other organic matter, while activated charcoal is made from heating carbon in an oxygen-free environment. This high temperature process creates a much more porous substance that can absorb more toxins. Because of its detoxifying abilities, activated charcoal is often used in cases of poisoning or drug overdoses.
What is Charcoal?
Charcoal is a black or dark brown substance that is made by burning wood or other organic matter in the absence of oxygen. The process of making charcoal is called pyrolysis, and it produces a variety of chemicals that are used in a variety of industries. Charcoal is commonly used as a fuel, and it is also used in water purification, air filtration, and as an adsorbent. In addition, charcoal has a number of uses in the medical and cosmetics industries. It is often used as a treatment for wounds and burns, and it can also be used to remove impurities from the skin. As a result, charcoal is a versatile and valuable substance that plays an important role in our everyday lives.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a type of carbon that has been treated to increase its absorbency. It is commonly used in water filters and air purifiers, as well as in medical settings to treat overdoses and poisonings. When used in medical settings, activated charcoal works by binding to toxins in the stomach and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The charcoal is then passed out of the body in the stool.
In addition to its ability to bind with toxins, activated charcoal also has a number of other benefits. It can help to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, making it an effective treatment for acne. Additionally, activated charcoal can be used as a natural teeth whitener. When used on a regular basis, activated charcoal can help to remove surface stains and discoloration, resulting in brighter teeth. Finally, activated charcoal can be used as an all-natural deodorant.
Difference between Charcoal and Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is a carbon-rich material that is produced by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up its pores and increase its surface area. This makes it more effective at adsorbing substances. Both charcoal and activated charcoal are used in a variety of applications, including water filtration and as a digestive aid. However, activated charcoal is generally considered to be more effective than charcoal due to its increased surface area. Additionally, activated charcoal can be reused multiple times, while charcoal can only be used once.
Conclusion
Activated charcoal is made from a variety of sources including wood, coconut shells, or coal. It undergoes a heating process that creates small pores in the surface of the carbon. These tiny pores help to increase the surface area available for absorption. This increased surface area allows activated charcoal to adsorb more toxins than regular charcoal. Additionally, activated charcoal is often treated with an alkali solution which helps to make it even more absorbent.
