Function

• Tarnished silver has a surface coating of silver sulfide. This coating forms over a period of time and comes from chemical reactions when the silver encounters sulfur-containing substances in the air. Silver polish helps counter this effect and restore the beauty of silver pieces like silverware utensils, metal decorative bowls and jewelry.
  
  

Ingredients

• Between 8 to 15 parts per million (ppm) concentration of ammonia is found in many premixed brands of silver polish. Hydrocarbon solvents such as petroleum distillates, which are produced from crude oil, may also be included. Some naturally based silver cleaning products contain ingredients that are plant based, biodegradable and nontoxic.
  
  

Health Risks

• Reports and studies have shown that in as little as five months, exposure to low levels of 12 ppm ammonia gas found in silver polish produced unhealthy side effects. These include asthmatic reactions and the loss of smell (hyposmia). Animals exposed to low or high concentrations of ammonia risk upper and lower respiratory tract irritation or even severe damage. Many metal polishes contain petroleum distillates that may cause nerve damage as well as make eyes and skin feel uncomfortable
  
  

Alternatives

• The Organic Consumers Association recommends using toothpaste to remove silver tarnish. Copper can be cleaned with a solution of either lemon juice or white vinegar with salt dissolved in it. Use a cloth to apply the mixture and then rinse it off with water. Brass that is free of lacquer will clean well with a homemade cleaning paste made of 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tsp. of salt.
  
  

Warning

• According to the Washington Toxics Coalition, some homemade concoctions can be dangerous. For example, a popular silver polish homemade from a mix of salt, baking soda, aluminum foil and warm water releases low levels of hydrogen sulfide gas. This can cause shortness of breath, coughing and throat irritation. Therefore, sample a small quantity of any silver polish premixed or alternative solution and note any negative reactions before continued use. Silver should be cleaned in an open area or in a well-ventilated room where clean air can circulate.