RE: CS>Colloidal vs silver ionsBob Bartell wrote: "Dear Bobbye and all other novices. Colloidal silver made by the electrolysis method, which is what we all use here on this list, is, for all practical purposes, harmless and will not cause the discoloration of the skin (argyria). The particles and ions are all too small to have this effect. The discoloration is caused by ingesting silver compounds (silver nitrate, et al - which are relatively huge particles like you find in some products like Water-oz.)."
Actually, Bob, the particle size of ionic silver compounds like silver nitrate when dissolved are, even allowing for solvation (surrounded by water molecules), the smallest possible - ions. In that much the deceptive spiel of WaterOz is correct. There are doubtless a number of factors determining whether argyria results. Marshall Dudley has already explained a number. Silver nitrate has far greater solubility than any other commonly available silver salt, and thus the higher concentration available would of itself allow an overload of the body's excretory capacity, locally at least. It should be remembered that the home brewed LVDC CS is typically 70-95% ionic - as the dissociated compound silver hydroxide. It's relatively low solubility is perhaps the main reason no-one seems to have ever contracted argyria ingesting it. Beyond mere concentration though it is known that nitrate ion is a tissue irritant and poison in higher concentrations. Someone else may have a better idea but I suspect nitrate has a specific action in predisposing tissue cells to react with ionic silver and precipitate the particulate form to give argyria. That is to say, I suspect other silver salts of equal silver concentration probably are much less likely to result in argyria. As for any medication, allopathic or herbal or whatever, there is also individual biochemistry to contend with. It is possible Janis has a predisposition to argyria, but I don't suggest any 'controlled study' involving listers gulping down silver nitrate! regards, Kevin Nolan
