Acute silver poisoning through inhalation
Forycki, Z.; Zegarski, W.; Bardzik, J.; Swica, P.
Bulletin of the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia 34(3-4): 199-203
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0324-8542 PMID: 6681363 Document Number: 201252
The paper presented a case of acute occupational poisoning with silver vapours. The course of the ailment was very serious. The clinical picture corresponded to the syndrome of the "shock lung"--with extreme respiratory insufficiency. The treatment included administration of steroids, heparin, antibiotics and controlled respiration with a positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP). The patient was completely cured and fully regained physical fitness. Our observation seems to shake the hitherto predominant view of non-toxicity of metallic silver or its vapours.