Original Article

Granular Activated Carbon: Concerns of Occupational Health and Food Safety Specialists

Abstract

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is a versatile material used across various industries, including water treatment and environmental remediation. Its micro/nano-pore structure enables the adsorption of diverse impurities, such as organic compounds and heavy metals. Producing high-quality GAC is crucial; however, its production, handling, and application raise significant occupational health, safety, and environmental concerns. The main occupational hazards include: (1) exposure to fine carbon dust, which may lead to respiratory risks such as lung irritation and pneumoconiosis; (2) chemical exposure during the activation process, with associated risks of burns, skin irritation, and inhalation of toxic fumes; (3) fire and explosion hazards from combustible carbon dust; and (4) ergonomic risks associated with manual handling of heavy GAC bags or containers. General safety measures include dust control systems, PPE, proper chemical handling, and ergonomic interventions.
GAC is widely used in the food and beverage industries for decolorization, deodorization, and purification of food items. The product can easily become contaminated due to poor manufacturing practices, storage, or handling, while its excessive use may adsorb essential nutrients and thereby deteriorate product quality. These risks can be mitigated by adhering to regulatory standards and Good Manufacturing Practices. Granular activated carbon is essential in various industries—especially food and beverage processing—for producing non-harmful, high-quality products. Nevertheless, robust management of safety, toxicity, and occupational health risks associated with GAC use remains imperative. Ensuring compliance with regulations, implementation of safety protocols, and optimization of usage will help protect both consumers and workers while sustaining industrial benefits.

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IssueVol 15 No 2 (2023) QRcode
SectionOriginal Article(s)
Published2025-08-30
Keywords
Occupational Health Activated Carbon Food Industry Safety
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Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
1.
Omari Shekaftik S, Rezvani Ghalhari M, Mehrparvar N. Granular Activated Carbon: Concerns of Occupational Health and Food Safety Specialists. Int J Occup Hyg. 2025;15(2):12-15.