Argyrosis

Possibility of generalized argyria in 20 years 2 Argyrosis of cornea and conjunctiva 3... 

Argyrosis (deposition of silver in the eyes) appears to be the critical effect and is observed in workers exposed to silver compounds at concentrations in the range of 0.005-0.38mg/mh Disturbances with night vision and lens changes without visual impairment have been associated with argyrosis. ... 

An investigation of silver reclamation workers found that 21 % and 25% exhibited conjunctival and corneal argyrosis (silver staining or deposition), respectively (Pifer et al. 1989). Moreover, 74% of the subjects exhibited some degree of internal nasal-septal pigmentation. However, no association was observed between silver deposition and ocular impairment. 

Bergmann M, Engel C. 1968. [Silver deposits in the gastric mucosa and liver in universal argyrosis due to treatment with tragesine], Dtsch Gesundheitsw 23 629-31. (German). 

Brozman M, Chorvath D, Jakubovsky J. 1976. [Localization of silver in glomerular basement membranes in experimental argyrosis], Bratisl Lek Listy 66 253-263. (Polish). 

Chorvath D, Brozman M, Jakubosky J. 1976. [Morphology of experimental argyrosis in kidneys], Cesk Patol 4 161-165. (Czech). 

Kettner VW, Vogel K, Kruger G. 1970. Contribution to the clinical picture of argyrosis. Deut Gesundheitsw 25 1746-1747. 

Loeffler KU, Lee WR. 1987. Argyrosis of he lacrimal sac. Graefe s Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 225 146-150. 

Moss AP, Sugar A, Hargett NA, et al. 1979. The ocular manifestations and functional effects of occupational argyrosis. Arch Ophthalmol 97 906-908. 

Olcott CT. 1947. Experimental argyrosis. III. Pigmentation of the eyes of rats following ingestion of silver during long periods of time. Am J Pathol 23 783-789. 

Olcott CT. 1948. Experimental argyrosis. IV. Morphologic changes in the experimental animal. Am J Path 24 813-833. 

Olcott CT. 1950. Experimental argyrosis. V. Hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart. Archives of Pathology 49 138-149. 

Rungby J. 1986. Experimental argyrosis Ultrastructural localization of silver in rat eye. Exp Mol Pathol 45 22-30. 

Stammberger H. 1982. [Argyrosis of the nasal mucosa], Laryng Rhinol Otol (Stuttg) 61 234-237. (German). 

SAFETY PROFILE Human systemic effects by inhalation skin effects. Inhalation of dusts can cause argyrosis. Questionable carcinogen with experimental mmorigenic data. Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to flame or by chemical reaction with C2H2, NH3, bromoazide, CIF3,... 

Argyria, also called argyrism or argyrosis, which occurs as a result of prolonged silver therapy, was first reported in 1647 [11], and was reviewed in depth by Hill and Pillsbury [11] in 1939. It presents as an irreversible grey to blue-black colouring of the skin and mucous membranes, for example, the conjunctiva, and also of internal tissue. With the decline in use of many silver preparations in therapeutics, the condition is less likely to be encountered today. However, a recent case has been reported in a 59-year old patient undergoing silver sulphadiazine therapy for recurrent venous leg ulcers [12],... 

Hoick DE, Klintworth GK, Dutton JJ, Foulks GN, Manning FJ. Localized conjunctival argyrosis a late sequela of strabismus surgery. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000 31(6) 495-8. 

Thomas K, Sproston AR, Kingsland CR. A case of vaginal argyrosis all that glistens isn t gold. BJOG 2001 108(8) 890-1. 

Silver is a mildly toxic element. The metal and its compounds can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. They can cause a condition known as argyria or argyrosis, in which the skin or eyes turn blue. Breathing in silver dust can have serious long-term health effects also. The highest recommended exposure for silver dust is 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter of air. 

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