Activated charcoal has long been taken internally to cleanse the digestive system and remove certain toxins. It is a common agent given when someone has swallowed certain poisons because of the charcoal’s ability to absorb up to 70 times its own weight. However, the use of internally taken activated charcoal is not recommended for cleaning the lungs; in fact, breathing the dust of activated charcoal can cause infection of the lungs. The only way to clean the lungs with activated charcoal is by using the charcoal to keep the air around you clean. By breathing in clean air, you will keep from adding pollution to your lungs, and with time the body will rid itself of some of the accumulated pollution in the lungs. The ability of activated charcoal to clean the lungs is with activated charcoal filters in air purifiers and masks. Commonly known as HEPA filters, these filters are able to filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Vacuum your living area with the HEPA filter vacuum. It may take several sessions of vacuuming to remove most of the pollutants. Be careful when emptying the vacuum waste, as this is very fine and will seep back into the air during disposal. It is better to use a disposable filter bag that can be removed from the vacuum and placed into a plastic bag. Seal the bag carefully and place this whole package in the garbage.
Place air filters in your main living areas at home and work. These filters are especially useful in the bedroom, kitchen and living room areas. Check the filters frequently and clean them as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If the filter says it cannot be washed, do not attempt to wash and reuse it, as this will only deactivate the charcoal in the filter, rendering it useless. Replace filters that become too dirty. Do not use a filter for more than six months.
Wear a HEPA-certified filter mask or activated charcoal filter mask if you are prone to allergies from pollen or live in an environment with high pollution levels. The mask should fit snugly over your nose and mouth so as not to let air leak in around the edges. Several types and styles of masks are available on the market.
Replace your furnace filters with those that offer activated charcoal as part of their content. The filters not only remove pollutants, but also help remove odors from your home. Furnace filters should be replaced at least every six months, depending on the environment in and around your home. Remove old air filters carefully to not dislodge dirt and dust already trapped in the filter. Place each used filter in a garbage bag, seal it up quickly and dispose of it immediately. Do not attempt to wash and reuse old filters.