Once charcoal is “activated,” it can be used in anything from soap and towels to natural air purifiers and, yes, our food. This air purifier uses activated charcoal to filter odors and chemicals.

The charcoal binds to the poison and keeps it from entering the blood stream. "Activated charcoal should only be given in health care facilities," Johnson says. "We do not recommend at-home use of ...

In two out of five bags claiming their charcoal had come from the U.S., 15% or more of the material was actually tropical woods, such as ipe, which are not native to the U.S.

In two out of five bags claiming their charcoal had come from the U.S., 15% or more of the material was actually tropical woods, such as ipe, which are not native to the U.S.