What is activated carbon?

Activated carbon is used in air filters for the absorption of chemicals, gases and odors. It is a form of charcoal which has been processed to open up millions of tiny microscopic pores in order to greatly increase surface area. When certain chemicals come in contact with the carbons surface a small reaction takes place bonding them together. This causes the chemical to be trapped, or absorbed. This process happens over and over again until all of the carbons surface has been used up. Typically, 1 pound of carbon has a surface area of 125 acres.