Activated Carbon
Activated carbon has been referred to as the miracle filter media because of its unique ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic chemicals and odours from the air, as well as offensive tastes, odours and impurities from water and other liquids. It is also the preferred method for the removal of carcinogens from the air, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not surprisingly then, activated carbon is the same substance that has been used in military gas masks for decades to protect soldiers from harmful chemical gases. What you may not know, however, is that it is also the substance that is administered orally by hospital emergency rooms as an antidote for poisoning and overdoses.
Activated carbon is essentially charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open millions of small pores between the carbon atoms, creating an enormous surface area. In fact, one pound of activated carbon has a surface area of 60 to 150 acres! When used in an air purifier, this super-porous material behaves like a sponge and traps harmful airborne gases, chemicals and odours, which stick to its surface through a chemical process known as “adsorption.” Due to the large surface area of the carbon granules, carbon filters excel at trapping gases and chemicals that are small enough to pass through traditional HEPA filters.
For many people, allergens such as pollen, dust or pet dander are the main irritants, with chemical adsorption of volatile organic compounds and carcinogens of lesser concern. For them, HEPA filtration alone may be sufficient. However, most people require the enhanced protection provided by a higher-quality air purifier that not only offers outstanding particle removal, but the control of odours, chemicals and toxic gases as well.
Read more about the toxic gases found in every home.
The effectiveness of an air purifier is highly dependent on the amount of activated carbon it contains. Activated carbon adsorbs to its surface, so when it reaches saturation level, it is no longer effective and must be replaced. Naturally then, large amounts of activated carbon will last far longer than smaller amounts because it has a greater area for adsorption. This will, of course, affect the price of the unit. Some off-the-shelf or substandard air purifiers have only a few ounces of carbon sprayed onto a mesh filter that can be depleted in a matter of weeks, making the unit useless. High-quality air purifiers can have 15 lbs or more of activated carbon in them, lasting for 18 to 60 months depending on the quantity of pollutants in the air.
In some room air purifiers, activated carbon is mixed with other minerals or impregnated with additional chemicals to enhance its ability to remove specific compounds. For example, zeolite can be added to the carbon mix to help remove ammonia and ammonium compound odours like pet odours and urine. Activated carbon treated with potassium iodide is particularly good for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), because it improves the air purifier’s ability to adsorb formaldehyde, which is found in carpets, wood paneling and furniture. Fragrances and chemicals in household cleaning products can also be removed, making the environment more breathable for MCS sufferers, as well as people in general.
Here at Modern Alchemy Air Purifiers, we can supply you with the ideal unit to handle your specific needs, by tailoring the activated carbon mix to the exact air quality issues you are attempting to address. For people with MCS who wish to purchase an AllerAir air purifier, we can also supply a test kit of five different activated carbon mixes so that you can buy with confidence, knowing beforehand that you will not be adversely affected by the carbon in your unit.
With an air purifier that combines the powerful advantages of HEPA filtration and activated carbon, you can take a major step towards improving the quality of the air in your home, office or business.
