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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Exposure to silver

Wondering if anyone can explain this whole silver extracting method
We purchased our home 3 years ago..our youngest son has had hair testing done because he has developed autism...his hair results came back...he has 95% silver in his body...we just found out the original owner of our home was extracting silver out of barrels for many years...I have recently developed a lung disease...the former owner had no proper ventilation system while extracting the silver...can anyone help me regarding this matter...

Raffaella Santaguida
designer - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
April 19, 2008

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May 1, 2008

Raffaella,
There are different methods for the precipitation and stripping of silver. It would depend on what the former homeowner was doing. Were they stripping black and white film, silverware, electronic parts, then precipitating the silver out of the strip solution? I find it hard to believe that someone could have 95% silver in their body. That means copper, zinc, iron, and electrolyte elements like potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium all equal less than 5%? I don't think so.
It is a shame that this kind of work was done in a home, especially in Canada. I would take a wood sample from the basement (if that is where the work was done) and have a professional analysis done on it. If you have a forced air heat system have the ducts cleaned and the dirt analyzed for metals. If you have a septic system and it has not been pumped out since you bought the house, have a sample taken from the bottom of the tank. Have your water analyzed for trace metals. Once you have proof, you have a case.

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York

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There are many possible methods of extracting silver but it is unlikely that this is your problem.

Your son may or may not have autism.

You need qualified medical advice, not website opinion.

One thing I am absolutely certain of. You cannot have 95% silver, or anything else, in your body.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
April 29, 2008

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May 27, 2008

Raffaella, one thing is certain - your son cannot have 95% silver in his body, so I would very critically question whoever told you that. Secondly, autism can be a severe medical problem, so I would strongly recommend you talk to a suitably qualified doctor about your concerns and not rely on subscribers to a free website. Thirdly none of us know exactly what the previous occupant of your house did and what chemicals he used. I would recommend you ask an environmental chemist to analyse the structure of the house and check for metals and any harmful metal salts; you will need to explain your concerns to him/her.
Finally, I have come across one reference to silver possibly causing respiratory problems, but this was concerned with people doing a silver spraying process and inhaling aerosols of silver salts that in turn aggravated the lung lining. I do not think this is applicable to your situation. I hope this helps.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK