SILVER, METAL & SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS (as Ag) | OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

SILVER, METAL & SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS (as Ag)†

Chemical Identification
CAS #	7440-22-4
Formula	Ag
Synonyms	silver metal; argentum. Soluble silver compounds vary depending upon the specific compound, such as silver nitrate (AgNO₃)

Physical Properties
Physical description	Silvery metallic solid.
Boiling point	4014°F	Molecular weight	107.93
Freezing point/melting point	1763.5°F	Vapor pressure	0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point		Vapor density
Specific gravity	10.5 at 68°F	Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL)		Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating		NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating		NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	2240
Sampling group	METALSSG-3
Sampler/Sampling media	Pre-assembled cassette with mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (37 mm) [MAWP037A0]
Sampling time^*	240-480 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	480-960 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	2 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Analytical method instruments	ICP-MS
Method reference	OSHA ID-206 (fully validated)
Notes	Results are provided for the presence and amount or concentration of a specific element or elements. The stated identity of the actual sample contents (such as specific form, valence state, or compound) is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.
Special requirements	For the entire suite of analytes listed in METALSSG-3, which may be found during soldering and brazing operations, request analyte code S131.

^* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media	Wipe with Whatman smear tab. [WHA1450993]
Bulk Method	No

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA	0.01 mg/m³	REL-TWA	0.01 mg/m³	TLV-TWA	Silver and compounds, metal, dust and fume: 0.1 mg/m³, Soluble compounds as Ag: 0.01 mg/m³ [1992]	PEL-TWA	0.01 mg/m³
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation		Skin notation		Skin notation		Skin notation
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes:		Notes:		Notes:
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH	10 mg/m³
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Silver

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Silver (metal dust and soluble compounds, as Ag)

Literature References

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Silver [7440-22-4] and compounds. See annual publication for most recent information.
Armitage, S.A., White, M.A. and Wilson, H.K. The determination of silver in whole blood and its application to biological monitoring of occupationally exposed groups. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 40(3): 331-338, 1996.
Drake, P.L. and Hazelwood, K.J. Exposure-related health effects of silver and silver compounds: a review. Ann. Occup. Hyg. June 17, 2005.
EPA: IRIS - Silver (CASRN 7440-22-4).
Foldbjerg, R., Dang, DA., Autrup, H. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in the human lung cancer cell line, A549. Arch Toxicol. 85(7): 743-750, 2011.
Kayarkar, R., Parker, A.J. and Geopel, J.R. The Sheffield nose - an occupational disease? Rhinology 41(2): 125-126, 2003.
NIOSH: Occupational Health Guideline - Silver Metal and Soluble Silver Compounds. September 1978.
Rosa, C. OSHA compliance issues. Overexposure to silver on a programmed lead inspection. J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 1(9): D93-95, 2004.
Sanchez-Huerta, V., De Wit-Carter, G., Hernandez-Quintela, E. and Naranjo-Tackman, R. Occupational corneal argyrosis in art silver solderers. Cornea 22(7): 604-611, 2003.
Wasowicz, W. et al. Evaluation of biological effects of nanomaterials. Part I. Cyto- and genotoxicity of nanosilver composites applied in textile technologies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 24(4): 248-358, 2011.

Last Updated Date : 03/06/2024

Group Sampling Information
Sampling Media	Sampling Time (If there are exceptions they will be in Notes)	TWA Sampling Volume (If there are exceptions they will be in Notes)	TWA Flow Rate (If there are exceptions they will be in Notes)
mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 microns	240-480 min	480-960 L	2 L/min

Analytes Sampling Information
Analytes	IMIS Code	Wipe Sampling
Antimony & Compounds (as Sb)	0230	Whatman smear tab
Cadmium	C141	Whatman smear tab
Copper, Fume (as Cu)	0730	Whatman smear tab
Lead	1591	Whatman smear tab
Silver, Metal & Soluble Compounds (as Ag)	2240	Whatman smear tab
Tin, Inorganic Compounds (except oxides) (as Sn)	2430	Whatman smear tab
Zinc Oxide Fume	2610	Whatman smear tab

Notes

For the entire suite of analytes listed in METALSSG-3, request analyte code S131.

There is no need to contact SLTC before sampling.

Elemental results for all analytes in this group will be reported if significant amounts are found.

Gravimetric pre-analysis may be requested if a sample is collected on a pre-weighted PVC filter obtained from SLTC. In this case, request the relevant gravimetric analyte code along with the other(s).

SILVER, METAL & SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS (as Ag)†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References