How can silver be harmful

Silver is also employed in the electrical industry: printed circuits are made using silver paints, and computer keyboards use silver electrical contacts. Silver's catalytic properties make it ideal for use as a catalyst in oxidation reactions. Other applications are in dentistry and in high-capacity zinc long-life batteries. Silver levels in soil are not usually high except in mineral-rich areas when they can sometimes be as much as 44 ppm.

Plants can absorb silver and measured levels come in the range 0. Metallic silver occurs naturally as crystals, but more generally as a compact mass; there are small deposits in Norway, Germany and Mexico.

The chief silver ores are acanthite mined in Mexico, Bolivia and Honduras, and stephanite, mined in Canada. However silver is mostly obtained as a byproduct in the refining of other metals. World production of newly mined silver is around The rest is a byproduct of refining other metals. Soluble silver salts, specially AgNO 3 , are lethal in concentrations of up to 2g 0.

Silver compounds can be slowly absorbed by body tissues, with the consequent bluish or blackish skin pigmentation argiria. Eye contact: may cause severe corneal injury if liquid comes in contact with the eyes. Skin contact: may cause skin irritation. Repeated and prolonged contact with skin may cause allergic dermatitis. Inhalation hazards: exposure to high concentrations of vapors may cause dizziness, breathing difficulty, headaches or respiratory irritation.

Extremely high concentrations may cause drowsiness, staggering, confusion, unconsciousness, coma or death. Liquid or vapor may be irritating to skin, eyes, throat, or lungs. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents of this product can be harmful or fatal. Duplication is encouraged. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider s. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider.

Home Health Information Colloidal Silver. Colloidal Silver. What Is Colloidal Silver? Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid that is sometimes promoted on the Internet as a dietary supplement. However, evidence supporting health-related claims is lacking. In fact, colloidal silver can be dangerous to your health.

Is Colloidal Silver Safe? Colloidal silver can cause serious side effects. The most common is argyria, a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin, which is usually permanent. Colloidal silver can also cause poor absorption of some drugs, such as certain antibiotics and thyroxine used to treat thyroid deficiency.

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have taken action against a number of companies for making misleading claims about colloidal silver products. More About Argyria. People have developed argyria from using homemade and commercial colloidal silver products. This complex mitigates the cellular toxicity of silver and contributes to tissue repair.

Silver allergy is a known contra-indication for using silver in medical devices or antibiotic textiles. Abstract Silver has a long and intriguing history as an antibiotic in human health care.

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