Silver

Synonyms

Silver metal: Argentum; Silver compounds; [NIOSH] Silver metal and soluble compounds;

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Metal: White, lustrous solid; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in brazes, solders, coins, jewelry, tableware, photography, photochromic glass, electrical contacts, electroplating, electroless plating, magnetron sputtered reflective coatings, dental amalgams, jet engine bearings; Silver nanoparticle applications include impregnating anti-bacterial wound dressings, intraventricular catheters, surgical tools, toothbrushes, infant pacifiers, sanitizing sprays, and home purification systems; Also used in electronics, metallurgy, and catalysis; [HSDB] Nanoparticles also used in bedding, water purification, kitchen utensils, toys, and humidifiers; [PMID 21191487]

Comments

Silver nitrate, used in burn therapy, is a reported inducer of methemoglobinemia. [ATSDR Case Studies, # 16] In the past, acute renal failure was reported in film developers after exposure to soluble silver compounds. [Rosenstock, p. 574] Argria is a blue-gray discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes; it has been described in humans mainly after injection or ingestion of silver-containing medications. Argyria has also been described in workers exposed to high levels of silver inhaled as dusts or mists: silver reclamation, photographic processing (silver nitrate), silver refineries, varnish spraying, and silver polishing. [ACGIH] Soluble silver compounds include nitrates, acetates, sulfates, and salts of Na, K, and ammonium; Insoluble silver compounds include chlorides, bromides, iodides, hydroxides, carbonates, and phosphates; [Nordberg, p. 19]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

Yes

0.01 mg/m3, as Ag (compounds), 0.1 mg/m3 dust and fume (metal)

0.01 mg/m3, as Ag

0.1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction (metal) (Silver, salts, as Ag, 0.01 mg/m3 inhalable fraction)

10 mg/m3, as Ag

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for revised IDLH: No inhalation toxicity data are available on which to base an IDLH for silver (metal dust and soluble compounds). Therefore, the revised IDLH for silver (metal dust and soluble compounds) is 10 mg Ag/m3 based on acute oral toxicity data in humans [Arena 1970] and animals [Flury and Zernik 1935].

No reports found; [TDR, p. 1083]

Reference Link #2

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Yes

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Brazing
• Electroplating
• Glass Manufacturing
• Metal Extraction and Refining
• Metal Preparation and Pouring
• Photographic Processing
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
• Smelting Copper or Lead
• Soldering
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Jewelry making