 Silver, used in wound dressings and medical devices as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, ionizes in moisture to release biologically active AG+, which is absorbed into the systemic circulation through various means, including percutaneous absorption. Algeria and argyrosis are the main effects of heavy deposition of insoluble silver precipitates in the dermis and cornea conjunctiva, but they are not associated with pathological damage in any tissue. Silver allergy can occur, but its extent is unknown. Reference values for silver exposure are discussed. This article was authored by Alan B. G. Lansdown.