From the Guidelines
Activated charcoal is not recommended for treating waterborne illnesses, as it does not effectively remove or kill pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. While activated charcoal can adsorb certain chemicals and toxins, its use in treating waterborne illnesses is not supported by evidence, as stated in the 2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. The guidelines advise against administering activated charcoal to a victim who has ingested a poisonous substance unless advised to do so by a poison control center or emergency medical personnel.
Key Points to Consider
- Activated charcoal works through adsorption, where contaminants stick to its highly porous surface, but this physical process does not destroy microorganisms.
- To prevent water-borne illnesses, water should be properly disinfected through boiling, chemical treatment with chlorine or iodine, or filtration systems specifically designed to remove pathogens.
- For treating water-borne illnesses, appropriate medical treatment is necessary, which typically includes oral rehydration therapy and specific antibiotics or antiparasitic medications depending on the pathogen involved.
- There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the administration of activated charcoal in a first aid setting, as noted in another guideline 1.
Recommendation
Seek medical attention if you suspect you have a water-borne illness, rather than attempting to treat it with activated charcoal. Medical professionals can provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment, which may include oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics, or antiparasitic medications, depending on the cause of the illness 1.
From the Research
Waterborne Illnesses and Activated Charcoal
- Activated charcoal has been studied for its potential to treat waterborne illnesses, including campylobacteriosis 2, 3.
- Research has shown that activated charcoal can alleviate symptoms of campylobacteriosis, such as diarrhea and wasting, in mice models 2, 3.
- The use of activated charcoal has also been proposed as a potential treatment for COVID-19 infections, although this is still a hypothesis and requires further research 4.
Mechanism of Action
- Activated charcoal works by adsorbing toxins and reducing the absorption of microbiome-derived toxins, which can help to ameliorate systemic oxidant stress and inflammation 4.
- The anti-pathogenic and immune-modulatory properties of activated charcoal have been demonstrated in studies, which suggest that it may be a promising antibiotics-independent option for the treatment of human campylobacteriosis 2, 3.
Water Purification
- Activated charcoal can be used to clean water contaminants and make water safer for consumption 5.
- A simplified methodology for the activation of organic charcoal has been developed, which can be performed in any setting using locally available biomass materials 5.
- This method produces charcoal with an adsorptive capacity near to that of commercial-grade charcoal, making it a potential solution for rural communities where sources of sanitary water are low or nonexistent 5.