Caution with using silver metalSilver compounds are less toxic than other heavy metals because they are poorly absorbed during digestion and what is absorbed is rapidly converted to insoluble silver compounds or complexed by metallothionein
Silver in Jewelry and accessories
The main use of this metal, in addition to coins, has been in general use throughout the history of jewelry making and other items, and this issue continues. Examples include silverware, which is very suitable due to its antibacterial properties. Because pure Silver is very soft, it alloys more with copper.
Silver in medicine
In medicine, this Metal is embedded in wound dressings and is used as an antibiotic coating in medical devices. Wound dressings containing sulfadiazine or silver nanomaterials are used to treat external infections. Silver ion is bioactive and in sufficient concentration easily kills bacteria in vitro.
These ions interfere with the enzymes that produce nutrients and the formation of cell walls, and also bind to the genetic material of bacteria. Silver nanoparticles are used as antimicrobials in a variety of industrial, hygienic, and domestic applications.
Silver in electronics
This metal is very important in electronics for conductors and electrodes because of its high electrical conductivity even when stained. Silver and compressed silver foils are used to make vacuum tubes and are still used today in the construction of semiconductor devices, circuits, and their components. Silver powder and its alloys are used in the preparation of pastes for conductive layers and electrodes, ceramic capacitors, and other ceramic components.
Silver in solder alloys
Silver solder is used for Metals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper, and steel-based alloys. The main components of these solder alloys are silver and copper, and other elements are selected according to the specific application, which includes zinc, tin, cadmium, palladium, manganese, and phosphorus. This metal increases efficiency and corrosion resistance during use.
Silver in Chemical equipment
This metal is useful due to its low reactivity, high thermal conductivity, and easy efficiency in the manufacture of chemical equipment. This equipment for working at high temperatures is often silver plated. Silver and its alloys with Gold are used as seals, wires, or rings for Oxygen compressors and vacuum equipment.
Silver as a catalyst
This metal is a suitable catalyst for the oxidation reaction. Powdered silver leads to the complete oxidation of organic matter to carbon dioxide and water, and hence coarse-grained silver is used instead. Dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde at 600-720 ° C is performed using silver gas or its crystals as a catalyst.
Caution with using silver metal
Silver compounds are less toxic than other heavy metals because they are poorly absorbed during digestion and what is absorbed is rapidly converted to insoluble silver compounds or complexed by metallothionein.
However, silver fluoride and nitrate are caustic soda and can cause tissue damage as well as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, hypotension, muscle cramps, paralysis, and respiratory arrest. Animals that frequently consume silver salts experience anemia, growth retardation, necrosis of the liver and kidneys.
In high doses, the metal and its compounds can be absorbed into the circulatory system and stored in various tissues of the body, resulting in a blue-gray pigment in the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Some silver compounds, such as Nitrogen azide, amide, acetyl, oxalate, and silver (II) oxide compounds, are highly explosive; they can explode on heating, impact, light, and sometimes spontaneously. To prevent the formation of such compounds, Ammonia and acetylene should be kept away from silver equipment.
