Why is it important to check the expiry date of activated charcoal?

• A. Activated charcoal has a short shelf life and should be used only when effective.
• B. Expired activated charcoal may be ineffective and should not be used.
• C. Expiry dates are only for show and have no practical impact.
• D. The expiry date is not required if stored in a cool place.

Answer: (B)

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing toxins in the gut, which reduces how much poison can be absorbed. Its ability to adsorb depends on its surface area and pore structure staying intact. Over time, moisture, air exposure, or temperature changes can cause clumping or degradation of the charcoal, lowering its adsorption capacity. The expiry date is there to guarantee that the product will still perform as needed up to that point. If charcoal is expired, it may be ineffective at binding toxins, meaning it won’t prevent as much toxin from being absorbed. That’s why it should not be used after its expiry date and should be replaced with fresh product. Proper storage helps maintain quality, but it doesn’t change the fact that potency is not guaranteed after the expiry date.