Silver Chloride

Other Solid

White solid; Darkened by light; Water solubility = 1.93 mg/L at 25 deg C; [Merck Index] Powder with lumps; [Aldrich MSDS] Chloride salts of silver are insoluble; [Nordberg, p. 19]

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 12.6% (50 of 398) of reports.

Warning

H290 (18.1%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]

P234, P261, P271, P273, P304+P340, P319, P390, P391, P403+P233, P405, P406, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 398 reports by companies from 17 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Chemical: Silver chloride (AgCl)

Silver chloride (AgCl) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Silver chloride (AgCl) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 15-05-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15005

Silver chloride (AgCl): Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

0.20 [mg/m3]

170 [mg/m3]

1000 [mg/m3]

EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.

Silver itself is not toxic to humans, but most silver salts are. In large doses, silver and compounds containing it can be absorbed into the circulatory system and become deposited in various body tissues, leading to argyria, which results in a blue-grayish pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Argyria is rare, and although, so far as known, this condition does not otherwise harm a person's health, it is disfiguring and usually permanent. Mild forms of argyria are sometimes mistaken for cyanosis. (L809)

Metallic silver is oxidized and may deposit in the tissues, causing arygria. The silver ion is known to inhibit glutathione peroxidase and NA+,K+-ATPase activity, disrupting selenium-catalyzed sulfhydryl oxidation-reduction reactions and intracellular ion concentrations, respectively. Silver nanoparticles are believed to disrupt the mitochondrial respiratory chain, causing oxidative stress, reduced ATP synthesis, and DNA damage. (L808, A243, A244, A245, A246)

Exposure to high levels of silver for a long period of time may result in a condition called arygria, a blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other body tissues. Argyria is a permanent effect but does not appear to be harmful to health. Exposure to high levels of silver in the air has resulted in breathing problems, lung and throat irritation, and stomach pains. Skin contact with silver can cause mild allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and inflammation in some people. (L808)

Silver and its compounds can be absorbed via inhalation, while silver compounds can also be absorbed orally and dermally. It distributes throughout the body in the blood, particularily to the liver. Insoluble silver salts are transformed into soluble silver sulfide albuminates, bind to amino or carboxyl groups in RNA, DNA, and proteins, or are reduced to metallic silver by ascorbic acid or catecholamines. Metallic silver is oxidized and may deposit in the tissues, causing arygria. Silver is eliminated primarily in the faeces. (L808)

Used in silver plating and to make antiseptic silver preparations; [Merck Index] Various active product registrations in the US; [NPIRS] Pesticide products containing silver are used as bactericides in filters (to improve taste and odor of municipally treated water) and as algicides in swimming pools; [EPA REDs]

Electroplating [Category: Plate]

Silver chloride is used to make photographic paper and pottery glazes. It is also found in stained glass colorants, bandages, and other wound healing products, and may be used as an antidote to mercury poisoning. (L816)

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

Silver chloride (AgCl): ACTIVE