THE

EVOLUTION

OF

CHARCOAL

http://www.colgate.com.sg/app/AsiaEquity/SG/
family/article/Charcoal_Evolution_fy.cvsp
Charcoal, otherwise known as black magic, has
been used for centuries for its healing and
adsorption properties. See some of its uses
throughout history, and why it remains a vital
substance to human life to this day.
8000BC -Native Americans combined charcoal
powder with water to treat stomach ailments.
3750BC- Bronze was made by the Ancient
Egyptians using charcoal to smelt ores.
1500BC Egyptians used charcoals adsorption
properties to mask festering wound odours.
400BC Channelling its antiseptic powers, the
Ancient Hindus and Phoenicians began using
charcoal to purify drinking water.
27BC Romans made toothpaste by combining
charcoal powder with crushed bones, oyster
shells and bark. I came, I saw, I brushed!
50AD Hippocrates, the Greek physician
considered the father of natural medicine,
treated many patients ailments with activated
carbon including epilepsy, chlorosis and vertigo.
1794 Carbon was revealed to be a successful
decolouring agent, and particularly helped to
produce white sugar. Yes, black can sometimes
turn into white, it seems.
1820 Used to treat poultices, slough ulcers
and treat gangrenous sores, charcoal was
recorded in medical journals as an antidote for
poison, and a treatment for intestinal disorders.

1915 Activated carbon was placed in gas

masks by American soldiers in WW1, as a
protective measure against poison gas.
1979 By 1979 activated charcoal was widely
employed for industrial use, to purify drinking
water and industrial waste, and to offset toxic
gases. It was also used to clean bottles and
winery tanks.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL TODAY 2014
The antiseptic properties of charcoal have been
eagerly adopted by the health and beauty
industry. Pharmaceutical charcoal is used in
soaps, face cleansers and deodorant to adsorb
grease and dirt in pores. Bamboo charcoal has
emerged as a popular additive to food. The
black magic trend now includes charcoal
peanuts, doughnuts and even hamburgers.
Colgate launches Total Charcoal Deep Clean
toothpaste, which actually reduces bacteria
build-up by up to 90%* for a superior deep
clean**. The Ancient Romans would be proud.
Found in almost every hospital around the
world, doctors clinics and medicine cabinets,
activated charcoal is used across a variety of
industries.