Silver is primarily damaged by substances that cause it to tarnish or corrode. This primarily includes exposure to elements that react with silver, leading to the formation of silver sulfide (tarnish) or other compounds.
Factors That Damage Silver
Several factors can damage silver, causing it to tarnish or corrode. These include:
- Sulfur Compounds: The most common cause of silver tarnishing is exposure to sulfur compounds in the air. This includes:
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S): A gas produced by decaying organic matter and industrial processes.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Released from burning fossil fuels. As the reference mentions, increased sulfur in the atmosphere since pre-Industrial times has accelerated tarnishing.
- Ozone (O₃): Elevated levels of ozone can also cause silver to tarnish.
- Moisture: Humidity and moisture accelerate the tarnishing process by facilitating the chemical reactions between silver and the damaging substances.
- Certain Foods: Some foods, like eggs and onions, contain sulfur compounds that can tarnish silver if they come into contact.
- Chlorine: Exposure to chlorine, such as from bleach or chlorinated water, can corrode silver.
- Acids: Acids can corrode silver.
- Certain Cleaning Products: Abrasive cleaners can scratch and damage silver surfaces.
Summary
In summary, silver is most susceptible to damage from sulfur compounds, ozone, moisture, certain foods, chlorine, acids, and abrasive cleaning products, all of which can lead to tarnishing or corrosion.
