Pulmonary toxicity of silver vapours, nanoparticles and fine dusts: A review.

Pulmonary toxicity of silver vapours, nanoparticles and fine dusts: A review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2020 May 28;:104690 Authors: Hadrup N, Sharma AK, Loeschner K, Jacobsen NR Abstract Silver is used in a wide range of products, and during their production and use, humans may be exposed through inhalation. Therefore, it is critical to know the concentration levels at which adverse effects may occur. In rodents, inhalation of silver nanoparticles has resulted in increased silver in the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, kidney, spleen, ovaries, and testes. Reported excretion pathways of pulmonary silver are urinary and faecal excretion. Acute effects in humans of the inhalation of silver include lung failure that involved increased heart rate and decreased arterial blood oxygen pressure. Argyria-a blue-grey discoloration of skin due to deposited silver-was observed after pulmonary exposure in 3 individuals; however, the presence of silver in the discolorations was not tested. Argyria after inhalation seems to be less likely than after oral or dermal exposure. Repeated inhalation findings in rodents have shown effects on lung function, pulmonary inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia, and genotoxicity. In our evaluation, the range of NOAEC values was 0.11-0.75 mg/m3. Silver in the ionic form is likely more toxic than in the nanoparticle form but that difference could reflect their different biokinetics. However, silver nanoparticles and ions ...
Source: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : RTP - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Regul Toxicol Pharmacol Source Type: research