Silver and Gold

Abstract

Silver and gold are transitional metals and exhibit different chemical properties. They have distinctive uses in industry, commercial applications and in medical science. The World Health Organization and various national regulatory authorities recognize that occupational exposure to silver and many other metals in the workplace pose significant health risks. In the case of silver, argyria and argyrosis with profound discolorations of the skin and eyes present a major risk associated with chronic exposure to silver. Selected clinical cases are documented to illustrate complications that arise in the use of silver. Gold dust is expected as a contaminant in the atmosphere close to mining areas, but in view of their high density, particles, can be expected to settle rapidly and present minimal risk of inhalation by workers, but appreciably greater risks have been associated with silica, mercury and cyanide in gold workers. Neutron activation analysis has been described for determination of gold in blood following clinical or occupational exposure to the metal. The present chapter discusses properties, production, uses, exposure assessment, toxic effects, and several clinical cases of these transitional metals.

“Chocolate” Gold Nanoparticles—One Pot Synthesis and Biocompatibility

“…For decades, nanoparticles (NP) of noble metals such as gold, silver, and platinum have captivated the researchers and the general public with their remarkable physical and chemical properties, as well as for their potent therapeutic power [ 1 ]. Gold is one of the least reactive among the noble metals [ 2 ], but its nanoparticulate forms possess unique chemical, electrical, and optical properties [ 3 ].…”

Current intelligence bulletin 70: health effects of occupational exposure to silver nanomaterials.

“…Published reports of adverse health effects on workers occupationally exposed to silver, though limited, indicate that long-term exposure to silver can cause localized (in dermal and mucous membranes) and generalized (systemic) argyria [ATSDR 1990;Drake and Hazelwood 2005;Wijnhoven et al 2009;Johnston et al 2010;Lansdown 2012]. Ocular argyrosis has been observed in workers exposed to either soluble or insoluble silver, but no deficits in visual performance could be attributed to the silver deposits [Rosenman et al 1979;Pifer et al 1989].…”

“…This condition, a pathologic consequence of prolonged silver exposure, has been described as a blue-grey discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes (argyria) or as a localized condition of the eyes (argyrosis) [Harker and Hunter 1935;Hill and Pillsbury 1939]. Exposure to the soluble forms of silver has frequently been associated with the development of argyria [ATSDR 1990;Drake and Hazelwood 2005;Wijnhoven et al 2009;Johnston et al 2010;Lansdown 2012]. Generalized occupational argyria in exposed workers can occur as a result of the absorption of silver through the lungs, the digestive tract, or wounds in the skin.…”

“…Silver nanoparticles have been shown to undergo dissolution in the lungs and translocation to blood, liver, skin, and other organs. Human exposures to silver resulting in argyria (bluish coloration of skin) have been reported [Hill and Pillsbury 1939;ATS-DR 1990;Drake and Hazelwood 2005;Wijnhoven et al 2009;Johnston et al 2010;Lansdown 2012].…”

“…Published studies appear to indicate that some forms of silver may be more toxic than others. The majority of health data from workers exposed to silver indicate that long-term inhalation or ingestion of silver compounds (especially soluble forms of silver) can cause irreversible pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes (argyria) and/ or the eyes (argyrosis), in which the affected area becomes bluish-gray or ash gray [ATSDR 1990;Drake and Hazelwood 2005;Wijnhoven et al 2009;Johnston et al 2010;Lansdown 2012]. Generalized argyria has often been reported to occur following the ingestion or application of silver-containing medicines, but it has also been observed to varying degrees in workers exposed to silver compounds during the production, use, and handling of silver nitrate and silver oxide [Moss et al 1979;Rosenman et al 1979;Williams 1999] and silver salts (nitrate and chloride) [Wölbling et al 1988]; during the reclamation of silver from photographic film [Buckley 1963;Pifer et al 1989;Williams and Gardner 1995]; and during the handling of silver in photosensitized products [DiVincenzo et al 1985].…”