I am looking for info concerning the hazards of working with silver
dust. I experience eye problems (optometrist ruled out pinkeye)
which coincidentally I have observed occurring when I was in
full-blown sterling silver production. The McCreight book warns
against this possibility (see Page 174), but I would still be
interested in others’ experiences regarding this.
Hello. I know when I work with silver, especially sanding, then touch
or rub my eye I get the same thing in it. Itchy and burning. If I
wash my hands before I touch them no problem.
Hello. I know when I work with silver, especially sanding, then touch or rub my eye I get the same thing in it. Itchy and burning. If I wash my hands before I touch them no problem.
Certainly, getting tiny sharp-edged irregular bits of silver (or
anything else) in ones eyes would be expected to cause itching and
burning? Or worse? margaret
I’d agree with Margaret. It’s not an allergic reaction but a reaction
to grit (silver particles) in the same way as sand or dust.
Tony Konrath
Gold and Stone
www.goldandstone.com
tony@goldandstone.com
After working on silver pieces for about a year I found that I could
no longer wear silver on hot days, then on any days. Earrings gave
me weepy hives. Metal sensitivites are no joke! Loving the look of
white metal, and knowing what nickel does to me, I must alas wear
only Pt. :> Although small particles of anything will indeed cause
irritation in your eyes, don’t discount that you might be developing
a sensitivity to silver. And for women out there reading this, do
remember that metal sensitivities can be worse during different times
in your hormonal cycles. Once you have a sensitivity or two (doesn’t
have to get as bad as an allergy, though that’s what will happen if
you ignore hives,etc.,) others seem to opportunistically crop up.
When in doubt, discontinue contact (or use a barrier) and the
sensitivity might just fade away after a while… There are barriers
made for auto mechanics that sort of work, and gloves (yuck) sort of
work, though latex sensitvity will make you itch and het hives as
well. Don’t ignore the small signs (like I’ve done). Sorry to be a
bummer, but these sensitivities end up being uncomfortable and
time-consuming if you get 'em. Good luck! Elna B. in full-blown fall
weather in the Bay Area
elna, glad to hear the news and sorry about the sensitivity. plus the
awful allergies. it is true about getting sensitive to things. over
christmas several years ago i gotten a raging allergy to the plastic
bags everyone using for shopping. i broke into hives on my hands and
then all over my body. i had to take zyrtec to control the
uncontrolable itching. then one day gone, i can imagine it could
happen with silver or whatever metal used most. i guess just use
precaution and be aware that i can happen maria