Carbon filters are designed to

• A. absorb VOCs and remove the largest particles
• B. remove only odors
• C. remove only VOCs
• D. remove only the smallest particles

Answer: (A)

Activated carbon filters work by adsorbing volatile organic compounds and related odors from the air. That gas‑phase filtration is their primary role, and odors are typically tied to VOCs, so addressing VOCs inherently helps reduce odors as well. The other options imply limits to what carbon filters do (only odors, only VOCs, or only the smallest particles), which misses the main point that VOCs and odors are the substances carbon filters are designed to target. In practice, carbon filtration is usually paired with a separate particulate filter to handle larger particles, while the carbon stage focuses on gas‑phase contaminants. This makes the option that mentions absorbing VOCs the best reflection of carbon filters’ purpose.