The principal adverse effect of silver in the body is cosmetic. It causes argyria, a permanent, blue-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Relatively small quantities of silver are bactericidal or bacteriostatic and find limited use in both disinfection of swimming pool waters and point-of-use water filters.

1.1 These test methods cover the atomic absorption determination of silver in water. Three test methods are given as follows:

Similar to that in Brown, E., Skougstad, M. W., and Fishman, M. J., "Methods for Collection and Analysis of Water Samples for Dissolved Minerals and Gases," Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter A1, 1970, p. 46.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 3, Note 5, Note 9, and Note 13.