Can Activated Charcoal Help Eliminate Arsenic Poisoning?

Arsenic poisoning occurs when arsenic is either ingested or enters the body through the skin. It is found in many insecticides, as well as tree branches and apple seeds. The main cause of accidental arsenic poisoning is through contact with insecticides and other chemicals containing arsenic. Activated charcoal is the most common method used to help reverse arsenic poisoning.

What is Arsenic Poisoning?

• Arsenic is extremely toxic to the body when ingested; the poison is absorbed into the body through the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Arsenic can be inhaled or absorbed through contact with the skin. Although apple seeds contain arsenic, accidentally swallowing a few seeds is not enough to poison a person.

Activated Charcoal

• Activated charcoal is a type of carbon that contains microscopic holes, allowing it to absorb small particles. Arsenic chemically binds to activated charcoal, helping to remove it from the body. There are many forms of activated charcoal, including tablets, capsules, powder, liquid and rock form. Not types all are suited for human consumption.

Treating Arsenic Poisoning with Activated Charcoal

• It is important to act quickly with arsenic poisoning. The best way to treat the ingestion of arsenic is to empty the stomach through medical means, like a stomach pump, or by vomiting. Then, administer activated charcoal in a readily accessible form, such as a powder mixed with liquid or through another medical procedure.

Medications Containing Activated Charcoal

• In a medical facility, activated charcoal is administered to remove arsenic from the body. It is injected into the body through an IV or a needle underneath the muscle. The most common medications containing activated charcoal are dialyzable, succimer and penicillamine. These can only be administered under the supervision of a physician. The medications work by binding the arsenic to the activated charcoal; the charcoal is eliminated from the body through human waste.

Over-the-Counter Activated Charcoal

• Activated charcoal can be purchased over-the-counter at local pharmacies and major retailers. It is available in tablet and capsule form and as a powder. Some capsules are intended as a daily supplement. The powder is easiest to find through internet retailers; to ingest the powder, mix it with a liquid to treat specific problems, such as suspected arsenic poisoning.