Additionally, if your filter has larger carbon particles, the filter will have a slower adsorption rate. The higher levels of activated carbon will extend the filter’s lifetime. The more porous the carbon is, the more gaseous contaminants it can capture. This means it has more small, low-volume pores (microporosity), so it can perform more chemical reactions through adsorption. Activated carbon is processed so that its surface area is increased. So while carbon already has this capability, activated carbon can be processed to perform better: This process is distinguished from absorption, which is when a liquid is dissolved by a liquid. Although technically, adsorption is the adhesion of atoms, molecules, or ions (in liquid, gas, or dissolved solid form) to a surface. This is a process whereby organic compounds in the air chemically react with the carbon, which causes them to stick to the filter. This is why they are so effective with gaseous pollutants, like VOCs.Īctivated carbon works primarily on adsorption. The filter can trap the gases and stop them from recirculating through the ventilation system. Once air moves through the filter, the carbon’s adsorption powers (which we will get to in a bit) change gaseous molecules into solid molecules. The most important thing to realize about activated carbon filters is that they can modify the air contaminants that pass through. Think of activated carbon as carbon that has been processed to have a greater adsorption power! This method is preferred over physical activation because it produces better quality activated carbon in a shorter time and with more consistency. These temps are believed to ‘activate’ the carbon by forcing the material to open up and have more microscopic pores. Chemical activation: For chemical activation, carbon material is impregnated with chemicals, like a strong acid-base or a salt, and then it is subjected to lower temps. The two primary hot gas methods are carbonization and oxidation through destruction distillation. The air is then introduced to burn the gasses, and this creates a form of activated carbon. Physical activation: In this method, the material is activated using hot gases. So how are activated carbon filters different from traditional carbon filters? Carbon found in carbonaceous materials, such as coconut husk, willow peat, wood, coir, coal, and petroleum pitch, to name a few, is produced through physical activation or chemical activation: Since the filters are extremely porous and cavernous, they can adsorb more contaminants and allergens than traditional carbon filters. For airborne pollutants, the filters come as small blocks of carbon in either granular or powdered form. This filter type is designed to remove specific pollutants, including organic chemicals from water, but also gaseous particles and VOCs from the air.Īctivated carbon filters are used in a range of industries. What is Activated Carbon Filtration?Īctivated carbon filtration is an adsorbent media filter that uses granular activated carbon (GAC) or activated charcoal. Activated carbon filters are one of the most effective filter types for VOCs and harmful gases. Therefore, having an air purifier, air filter, or ventilation system can help protect against the adverse health effects associated with VOCs. 
#DO ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS WORK SKIN#
If you’ve been exposed to a VOC, then you may experience conjunctival irritation, discomfort in the nose and throat, headache, allergic skin reaction, extreme shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.Ĭoncentrations of VOCs can be up to 10x higher indoors than outdoors. Cancer (in some cases) to animals and (potentially) humans.Adverse health effects from dangerous gases.
Studies evaluating airborne particulates in indoor environments have identified that certain contaminants cause health issues: Hobby supplies (glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions)Ĭommon VOCs that we experience daily include benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, toluene, xylene, tetrachloroethylene, and 1,3-butadiene.Office equipment (correction fluids and carbonless copy paper).Paints, paint strippers, and other solvents.VOCs might also react with other gases in the air to form other air pollutants. Some, such as pesticides and wood preservatives, are harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer. Many VOCs are harmful in both short- and long-term settings. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a type of harmful gas emitted into the air by products or processes. What are Common Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
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