Maureen,
Charcoal is not the issue with charred steaks, the carcinogens that form
when meat is charred are heterocyclic amines. Charcoal by itself is
harmless. It is often given as first aid for poisoning, to absorb the
poison and buy time until the patient can have the stomach pumped.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC NYC [log in to unmask]