Gold
From Ganfyd
Symbol: Au Atomic No: 79Gold
Importance in Man of Gold
Web Resources for Gold
Relevant Clinical Literature
RCT with Gold from Pubmed
UK Guidance
Transition heavy metal element (E 175 - food additive]].
Gold salts have been used in medicine since 1929 [1], primarily in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Some more toxic salts have been used in industrial electroplating since around 1800 [2]. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas can be liberated from electroplating vats, and cyanides absorbed through the skin while cleaning them, but the gold component is less exciting as an industrial hazard.
Pouring molten gold metal is probably less hazardous than most metals, given the value and volume.
The inertness of the noble metal means we encounter objects made or plated in it in various parts of the body.
Gold leaf has been used as a wound dressing.
