Argyria

Argyria occurs in individuals who consume and / or inhale silver compounds over a long period (a couple of months to many yrs). Just a single exposure to a silver compound can also result in silver to be deposited in the skin as well as in other parts of the body; however, this is not considered to be dangerous. Chances are a large number of exposures to silver compounds are essential in order to develop argyria. 

Once you've got argyria it is irreversible. Having said that, argyria is believed to be just a "cosmetic" problem. The majority of medical professionals and scientists feel that the discoloration of the skin observed in argyria is regarded as the serious health effect of silver.

Individuals who are employed in industrial facilities which manufacture silver compounds can also breathe in the compounds. In the past, a number of these workers have become argyric. However, the amount of silver in the air and the length of direct exposure which resulted in argyria in these workers aren’t known. It's also not known what amount of silver results in breathing problems, lung and throat irritation, or stomach discomfort in people.

Scientific studies in rats reveal that drinking water which contains substantial amounts of silver (2589 parts of silver per million parts of water, or about 2.6 grams per liter) is likely to be life-threatening. 

There's very little information regarding health side effects following skin contact with silver compounds. Argyria that covers the entire body is not observed following skin exposure to silver compounds; however the skin may change color where it touches the silver. Nevertheless, many individuals who've used skin creams which contain silver compounds such as silver nitrate and silver sulphadiazine haven't reported medical problems from the silver in the medicine.

• Reports of cases of argyria suggest that gram amounts of a silver compound consumed in medication in small doses over a couple of months can result in argyria in certain individuals.
• Silver does offer beneficial uses. For instance, silver nitrate was utilized for many yrs as drops in newborns' eyes in order to avoid blindness caused by gonorrhea, as well as being utilized in salves for burn victims. A number of water treatment methods (including water filters) also employ a type of silver in order to kill bacteria.