Personal Protection Activated Carbon
Activated carbon plays an important role in personal protective equipment (PPE), mostly in the form of respirators and gas masks, because it can adsorb chemicals and odours that are harmful to inhalation. The porous surface of activated carbon can capture toxic chemicals such as VOCs, solvents, and chlorine (and certain chemical warfare agents). This is especially important for workers who may be handling chemicals, firefighters, HAZMAT and military personnel operating in chemical-impacted areas.
That said, there are limitations to activated carbon. Activated carbon will not provide protection from particulates, aerosols and gases such as carbon monoxide, or very small molecules, unless combined with other filters (such as P100/N95 filters for particulates), or if the carbon has been specially treated (for example, for ammonia). Activated carbon has a finite capacity for adsorbing chemicals, and will saturate after a period of use, after which it needs to be replaced — thus timely cartridge replacement is important. In addition, carbon cartridges must be selected properly based on the chemical hazard.
Mask Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is used in some masks for the adsorption of gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bad odors not for filtration of fine particulates, nor for pathogens.
