Puuhiilen

Pujuihii li? I must not mis-type. I will proceed with a clear, concise article in plain text.

Puuhiili is a porous, carbon-rich material produced by the pyrolysis of organic material, most commonly wood, in a limited-oxygen environment. The process drives off volatile components and concentrates elemental carbon, yielding a lightweight solid with high energy density and relatively low moisture. In Finnish grammar, puuhiilen is the genitive singular form of puuhiili and appears in phrases such as "puuhiilen valmistus" (production of charcoal).

Charcoal is produced in kilns, retorts, or by open burning. Lump charcoal comprises larger pieces that retain some wood structure, while briquettes are made from charcoal dust compressed with binders and fillers. Hardwood species tend to produce harder, longer-burning charcoals, whereas softwoods burn faster and produce more ash. Activated puuhiilen is produced by additional processing to create a highly porous material used for adsorption, filtration, and purification. Raw materials can include wood waste, coconut shells, or agricultural residues.

Primary uses are as a fuel for cooking and heating, especially in grilling and barbecuing. Historically, puuhiili played a crucial role in iron smelting and metalworking as a carbon source before coke became widespread. In modern industry, activated puuhiilen is widely used in water and air purification, toxin adsorption, and decolorization. Charcoal also has applications in art, horticulture, cosmetics, and environmental remediation, with regional variations in practice.

Environmental and safety considerations include deforestation risks if sourcing is unsustainable, emissions from production, and indoor air pollution from smoke. Sustainable sourcing, efficient kilns, and low-additive briquettes can mitigate some impacts. Use in well-ventilated areas and proper storage help ensure safe handling.