Is Your Silver Jewelry Poisoning You? Are Gold and Silver Jewelry Radioactive? Debunk Popular Myths About Jewelry

Is Your Silver Jewelry Poisoning You? Are Gold and Silver Jewelry Radioactive? Debunk Popular Myths About JewelryMs. Li's child had been wearing a silver bracelet given by their grandparents

Is Your Silver Jewelry Poisoning You? Are Gold and Silver Jewelry Radioactive? Debunk Popular Myths About Jewelry

Ms. Li's child had been wearing a silver bracelet given by their grandparents. Recently, she noticed that the bracelet had turned black. Her child often cried inexplicably at night, and Ms. Li worried that he was being "poisoned," rushing him to the hospital. After hearing her concerns, the doctor advised a mercury urine test. It was found that her child's mercury levels were elevated, requiring immediate treatment. Ms. Li then remembered that she had broken a mercury thermometer recently. Could the blackening of the silver bracelet be a sign of poisoning? Does it really have the ability to detect poison?

Many people wear silver jewelry, but when it turns black, it sparks speculation. The ancient legend of using a silver needle to test for poison has made the belief that "silver jewelry turning black indicates toxins in the body" deeply ingrained. But is this actually true?

I. Is Silver Jewelry Turning Black Really a Sign of Toxins in the Body?

Ancient people used silver needles to test for poison, primarily arsenic trioxide (arsenic) and cinnabar (mercury sulfide), the main components of arsenic and mercury-based poisons, respectively. However, arsenic trioxide does not react with silver. In the past, refining techniques were limited, so poisons often contained impurities like sulfur and sulfides. When a silver needle came into contact with these substances, it would quickly react with oxygen to form black silver sulfide. In other words, silver needle testing did not detect the poison itself, but rather its impurities. It was pure luck.

So, what causes the blackening of silver jewelry in daily life? In fact, it is mainly related to the following three factors:

• Time: Over time, a layer of grayish-black silver sulfide forms on the surface of silver jewelry, causing it to lose its luster.

• Contact with sulfur: Air, sweat, and food may contain sulfur. Prolonged contact of silver jewelry with these substances can also cause it to turn black.

• Oxidation reaction: Silver jewelry reacts with oxygen in the air to form black silver oxide, causing discoloration.

II. Are Gold and Silver Jewelry Radioactive and Cause Cancer?

Online rumors claim that gold and silver jewelry is radioactive and can cause cancer with long-term wear. Is this true?

Radioactivity refers to the process by which the nucleus of an atom spontaneously emits radiation and decays to form a stable element. Elements with an atomic number of 83 or higher are radioactive. Gold has an atomic number of 79, and silver has an atomic number of 47. Both are not radioactive elements. Therefore, the claim that wearing gold and silver jewelry exposes the body to radiation is unfounded.

Another rumor states that silver bracelets cause lead poisoning, making children "stupid." Indeed, lead has excellent ductility and malleability. Some manufacturers add lead to jewelry production to increase its flexibility and reduce costs. However, relevant Chinese standards clearly stipulate that the lead content in jewelry must be less than 1%. Products that meet these standards will not cause poisoning.

III. Beware of the Potential Hazards of Gold and Silver Jewelry for Children

While gold and silver jewelry itself poses minimal harm to the body, some types can pose potential risks for children:

1. Scratches/Cuts: Some jewelry may have sharp claws. Children are active, and wearing such jewelry can easily lead to scratches or cuts.

2. Skin Allergies: Merchants may add heavy metals to enhance the appearance of jewelry. Children's skin is delicate and susceptible to irritation, leading to allergies.

3. Ingestion: Small crystals or beads may detach, easily ingested by children, potentially resulting in choking hazards.

4. Developmental Impact: Tight jewelry can affect a child's normal development, even leading to limb ischemia and necrosis.

IV. These 4 Types of Jewelry: Avoid Them at All Costs!

Besides gold and silver jewelry, there are other types that doctors advise against wearing. Prolonged wear may pose health risks.

1. Imitation Jewelry

Imitation jewelry often incorporates heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and nickel to achieve shine and flexibility. These elements can easily leach through sweat during wear, coming into contact with the skin and entering the body, triggering skin allergies or inflammation. Excess absorption of heavy metals can even damage the nervous system.

According to media reports, in 2017, the Shanghai Municipal Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau conducted random checks on jewelry in the market. It was discovered that many items exceeded the standard levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. One bracelet even showed nearly a thousandfold excess of cadmium.

2. Dyed Agates

CCTV's Channel 7 program "Focus on Agriculture" exposed the dyeing process of agates in a local workshop. They use harmful chemicals to dye agates, and even the workers are extremely cautious during the dyeing process, avoiding skin contact with the liquid. These dyeing liquids are discharged into drainage ditches, visibly greenish.

Dyed agates produced in small workshops may contain high concentrations of heavy metals. During wear, they can be absorbed through skin contact, damaging the central nervous system, liver, and kidney function, potentially causing DNA damage and triggering cancer.

3. Rosary Pea Necklaces

Rosary pea, also known as jumbay, is mainly produced in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces of China. The rosary pea has a hard shell, so accidental ingestion usually does not cause poisoning. However, if the shell is broken or chewed, even a small amount can be fatal. Only 3 micrograms of rosary pea toxin is lethal, and a single rosary pea contains more than 3 micrograms of toxin. If the shell is broken and ingested, it poses a serious threat to life and health.

4. Cinnabar Jewelry

Lai Yan, director of the Department of Toxicology Medicine at Hunan Provincial Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, introduced that cinnabar is a substance extracted from cinnabar ore. After high-temperature calcination, it decomposes into free mercury, which is highly toxic. Accidental ingestion can cause mercury poisoning, and severe cases can even be fatal.

V. Approaching Jewelry Rumors Rationally, Avoiding Unnecessary Panic

There are many online rumors about jewelry. We need to learn to distinguish between truth and falsehood to avoid unnecessary panic. When choosing jewelry, prioritize reputable brands and check product descriptions and safety standards. Additionally, consider the following points when wearing jewelry:

• Choose jewelry made with safe materials and excellent craftsmanship.

• Avoid prolonged wear, especially for children.

• Clean jewelry regularly to prevent bacteria and dirt buildup.

• If you notice any abnormalities, stop wearing the jewelry immediately and consult a professional physician.

In summary, when choosing jewelry, be rational about various rumors and avoid being misled by false information. Also, pay attention to safety issues, preventing harm to your health.

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