Tissue and Organ Damage
Silver ions have the ability to bind to reduced glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the body. One of the important roles of glutathione is to assist in the cell cycle progression. However, if the levels of glutathione are low, it can result in the rapid death of cells. The binding of silver ions to reduced glutathione causes the body to transport them together into the bile, thereby reducing the availability of reduced glutathione for its other functions. As a result, this can lead to significant cell damage, particularly in the liver. While it is possible that silver may cause similar damage to other tissues and organs, further research is needed to confirm this.
Respiratory Effects
Studies conducted on the respiratory effects of silver inhalation have revealed potential links to significant respiratory issues. It has been suggested that soluble silver compounds may be responsible for causing both upper and lower respiratory chest infections. However, recent research indicates that the presence of nitrate in these compounds might be the actual culprit, rather than the silver itself. Prolonged inhalation of silver has been observed to stain some respiratory tissue, although it remains unclear whether this staining is harmful or not. Historical studies conducted in the 1940s and 1970s have also indicated that individuals who regularly polished silverware were more prone to developing bronchitis and emphysema compared to the general population.