Activated charcoal is widely used in hospitals and emergency rooms to treat accidental poisoning. When introduced into the digestive tract, activated charcoal has the ability to absorb the toxins for elimination, according to the Mayo Clinic. While inhaling activated charcoal isn't recommended, using it in air filtration systems helps reduce airborn toxins and allergens. With ongoing use, activated charcoal filtration systems help lungs detoxify naturally. These filters, often referred to as HEPA filters, or High Efficient Particulate Absorbing, are available for vacuums, air conditioning units, heaters and humidifiers.
Step 1
Use a HEPA filtered vacuum in your home. Pollutants trapped in carpet, draperies and furnishings continually expose you to particles. Replace vacuum bags regularly to prevent the pollutants from seeping back into your living area.
Step 2
Change furnace and air conditioning filters every three months. Use activated charcoal filters to capture not only the bacteria and viruses, but to prevent continued circulation of pollutants in your home. If someone in your home smokes or there are a lot of animals in the home, you may need to change your filter monthly, according to Jeanne Huber, contributor to "The Washington Post."
Step 3
Position activated charcoal air purifiers around your home where you sit or sleep. Having an air purifier close to where you spend most of your time clears the immediate area of air that you are breathing in.
Tips and Warnings
- Washing a filter containing activated charcoal actually deactivates the charcoal, rendering it useless. Always replace activated charcoal filters rather than wash them.
- Inhaling activated charcoal may lead to upper respiratory conditions and is not advisable.
Things You'll Need
- HEPA vacuum filter
- Air purifiers
- Furnace filters
- Air conditioning filters
