Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: EvaH on 03/11/2020 14:11:01

Title: Can eating from silverware cause argyria?
Post by: EvaH on 03/11/2020 14:11:01
Clare wants to know:

Would eating from silverware everyday cause argyria? Should I be worried?

Can you help?
Title: Re: Can eating from silverware cause argyria?
Post by: charles1948 on 22/12/2020 22:28:11
Quote from: EvaH on 03/11/2020 14:11:01
Clare wants to know:

Would eating from silverware everyday cause argyria? Should I be worried?

Can you help?

If you eat from silverware ever day, you don't need to be worried.
Title: Re: Can eating from silverware cause argyria?
Post by: Bored chemist on 23/12/2020 15:10:05
Quote from: EvaH on 03/11/2020 14:11:01
Would eating from silverware everyday cause argyria?
No.
Title: Re: Can eating from silverware cause argyria?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 23/12/2020 20:08:41
Quote from: EvaH on 03/11/2020 14:11:01
Clare wants to know:

Would eating from silverware everyday cause argyria? Should I be worried?

Can you help?
Dependant on the alloy, silver like gold and copper is oxidisation resistant but very soft, silver on its own is highly unreactive. But because it is soft silver is alloyed with things like nickel and zinc, these are the problem alloys for poisoning over long term repeated use. I believe argyria is not the problem it is the alloying agents, the blue colour of the skin (in argyria) is not in keeping with the pale white of such reports of silverware poisoning.
Title: Re: Can eating from silverware cause argyria?
Post by: Kryptid on 23/12/2020 20:58:22
Quote from: Petrochemicals on 23/12/2020 20:08:41
Dependant on the alloy, silver like gold and copper is oxidisation resistant but very soft, silver on its own is highly unreactive. But because it is soft silver is alloyed with things like nickel and zinc, these are the problem alloys for poisoning over long term repeated use. I believe argyria is not the problem it is the alloying agents, the blue colour of the skin (in argyria) is not in keeping with the pale white of such reports of silverware poisoning.

Stainless steel is commonly used in cookware and it also contains nickel. I've eaten with such forks and spoons all my life and don't believe I've ever had nickel poisoning. Are there any such reports?