Definition of Activated charcoal
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Activated charcoal: Charcoal that has been heated to increase its absorptive capacity. Activated charcoal is sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) product to help relieve intestinal gas. It is also used to absorb poisons (as in gas mask filters), neutralize poisons that have been swallowed, and filter and purify liquids.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25970
Last Editorial Review: 1/3/2004
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