Argyria is a condition caused by the ingestion or inhalation of elemental silver, ionic silver, low quality colloidal silver, silver compounds or the inhalation of silver dust. The most dramatic symptom of argyria is the skin becoming blue or bluish-gray colored.
Argyria may be found as generalized argyria or local argyria. Argyrosis is the corresponding condition related to the eye. The condition is believed to be permanent, but laser therapy has been used to treat localized forms with satisfactory cosmetic results.
It is true that silver in huge excess beyond 10,000,000 micrograms over 70 years per EPA can, in some cases, lead to argyria, a benign cosmetic skin discoloration. Impurities in other colloidal silvers may also increase the risk. However, pure silver hydrosol – which is free of proteins, salts, and other compounds – poses no health hazard when used as directed.*
High parts per million (PPM) concentrations, particularly those that exceed the EPA oral Daily Reference Dose (RfD) for silver are not necessary and should be avoided.