logo
welcome
Live Science

Live Science

Argyria: The rare disease that turns people blue

Live Science
Summary
Nutrition label

81% Informative

Argyria is caused by the ingestion of — or exposure to — silver or silver-containing compounds.

People who work with silver or use colloidal silver as a dietary supplement are at the greatest risk of developing argyria.

The silver accumulates in the body and thus turns the skin and nails bluish-gray.

Symptoms can vary depending on how much silver enters a person's body, how it enters the body, and how long it has accumulated.