Although the toxicity values presented in these toxicity profiles were correct at the time they were produced, these values are subject to change. Users should always refer to the Toxicity Value Database for the currect toxicity values. Managed by Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. Silver is a relatively rare metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust and is released to the environment from various industrial sources. Human exposure to silver and silver compounds can occur orally, dermally, or by inhalation.
Silver is found in most tissues, but has no known physiologic function.
Respiratory irritation was noted following acute inhalation exposure to silver or silver compounds. Ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption of silver may cause argyria, the most common indicator of long-term exposure to silver or silver compounds in humans. Argyria is a gray or blue-gray, permanent discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes that is not a toxic effect per se, but is considered cosmetically disfiguring. Data adequate for evaluating the carcinogenicity of silver to humans or animals by ingestion, inhalation, or other routes of exposure were not found.