Will charcoal absorb odors?

Charcoal is known to absorb odors. Activated charcoal, which is the pure kind, is recommended as it is made for the specific purpose of absorbing impurities.

Coconut shell charcoal is the preferred type of charcoal used when making charcoal for purifying gases and vapors, a process known as adsorption. In this process, the chemicals causing the odor or impurity in a liquid medium bind with the charcoal. Because of this same property, activated charcoal is also used to treat patients who have ingested poisonous chemicals. Activated charcoal is accessible without prescription, but caution is still advised when it is used for this purpose.