StyptStix Silver Nitrate

Potential health effects

Note: Since the product has not been tested as a whole, the health effects of the individual ingredients are given in order to provide adequate warning to persons using the silver nitrate applicators. Acute Effects of Overexposure: Eye contact: Contact with silver nitrate/potassium nitrate solid impregnated on tip of wooden applicator may cause irritation, the degree of which depends on the concentration and period of contact. Symptoms may include burning, tearing, and redness. Skin Contact: Contact with silver nitrate/potassium nitrate solid impregnated on tip of wooden applicator may cause irritation, the degree of which depends on the concentration and period of contact. Symptoms may include redness and burning. Inhalation: Inhalation of airborne silver nitrate particles may cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Ingestion: Poisonous. If swallowed, can cause severe gastroenteritis and can be fatal. Due to its causticity, large doses of ingested silver nitrate may cause a burning sensation in the throat, violent abdominal pain, vomiting, collapse, and death.

Potential chronic health

of Overexposure It is reported in the literature that chronic introduction of significant amounts of silver compounds into the blood stream and subsequent deposition of the reduced silver in various tissues of the body may result in the production of a generalized permanent grayish pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes, a condition known as argyria, with no constitutional symptoms and no physical disability. The introduction of fine particles of silver through breaks in the skin produces a local pigmentation at the site of the injury. Localized argyria of the skin is rare. It has been concluded that on the average, 3.8 grams of orally administered silver nitrate causes argyria. The inhalation of silver powder over long periods has been concluded to cause pulmonary changes. Chronic exposure to potassium nitrate can cause anemia, nephritis and methemoglobinemia.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

silver nitrate) Pre-existing diseases of the lungs, skin, eye, and other mucous membranes.