Exposure-related health effects of silver and silver compounds: A review

Drake, PL; Hazelwood, KJ

HERO ID

195504

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2005

Language

English

PMID

15964881

HERO ID 195504
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2005
Title Exposure-related health effects of silver and silver compounds: A review
Authors Drake, PL; Hazelwood, KJ
Journal Annals of Occupational Hygiene
Volume 49
Issue 7
Page Numbers 575-585
Abstract A critical review of studies examining exposures to the various forms of silver was conducted to determine if some silver species are more toxic than others. The impetus behind conducting this review is that several occupational exposure limits and guidelines exist for silver, but the values for each depend on the form of silver as well as the individual agency making the recommendations. For instance, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has established separate threshold limit values for metallic silver (0.1 mg/m3) and soluble compounds of silver (0.01 mg/m3). On the other hand, the permissible exposure limit (PEL) recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the recommended exposure limit set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is 0.01 mg/m3 for all forms of silver. The adverse effects of chronic exposure to silver are a permanent bluish-gray discoloration of the skin (argyria) or eyes (argyrosis). Most studies discuss cases of argyria and argyrosis that have resulted primarily from exposure to the soluble forms of silver. Besides argyria and argyrosis, exposure to soluble silver compounds may produce other toxic effects, including liver and kidney damage, irritation of the eyes, skin, respiratory, and intestinal tract, and changes in blood cells. Metallic silver appears to pose minimal risk to health. The current occupational exposure limits do not reflect the apparent difference in toxicities between soluble and metallic silver; thus, many researchers have recommended that separate PELs be established.
Doi 10.1093/annhyg/mei019
Pmid 15964881
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments N1-Exposure-Related Health Effects of Silver and Silver Compounds: A ReviewID-48
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No