What hazard is associated with powder activated carbon?

Powder activated carbon (PAC) presents significant hazards primarily due to its flammability and the potential for creating explosive dust clouds. When stored in large quantities or when fine particles become airborne, PAC can ignite and lead to fire hazards. The fine particulate nature of activated carbon makes it susceptible to ignition if exposed to an open flame, spark, or sufficiently high temperatures, creating both fire and explosive risks. This is why it is crucial to manage it with proper safety protocols, including appropriate storage and handling techniques to minimize the risk of ignition. Understanding this hazard is essential for anyone working with PAC to ensure safe operational practices in environments where this material is utilized.