Activated carbon purifies air by removing odors, fumes and irritating smells. Charcoal's adsorptive properties cause it to attract and hold a gas to its surface. These include solvent vapors found in many aerosol products. A particle of carbon has a complex structure of passages and pores where adsorption occurs. Activated charcoal is graded by its weight saturation with a standard test chemical. For example, activated charcoal for water purification and industrial air purification is typically rated as 30% carbon meaning it can hold up to 30% of its own weight. The charcoal in a TIAD filter is rated at 75% carbon, which means it has more than twice the capacity of industrial carbon.

 The pre-filter must be used in conjunction with the charcoal filter. It pre-filters the air and is designed to extend the life of the filter by trapping particles from solvents, aerosols and dust-laden air. This allows the charcoal filter to absorb air contaminants at its peak efficiency. Pre-filters capture particles as small as 3/10 of 1 micron with a 72% efficiency rating.