Understanding the Facts: Is Gold Toxic to Humans?

September 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to toxicology experts, pure elemental gold is considered biologically inert and largely non-toxic to humans when ingested, used in dentistry, or worn as pure jewelry. This stands in contrast to the health risks associated with other heavy metals, raising the crucial question: Is gold toxic to humans under different circumstances?.

Quick Summary

The toxicity of gold is highly context-dependent. Pure elemental gold is biologically inert and passes safely through the body, but chemical gold compounds and certain alloys can trigger allergic reactions and cause organ damage. Exposure to fine particles also poses potential risks.

Key Points

Elemental gold is inert: In its pure form (24K), gold is biologically non-reactive, harmless when consumed, and safe for dental work.
Gold compounds are toxic: Chemical gold salts, historically used for arthritis, can cause severe side effects, including skin rashes, organ damage, and bone marrow suppression.
Nanoparticle safety varies: The toxicity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), used experimentally in medicine, depends on their size, shape, and surface coating, and is still under study.
Allergies are usually from alloys: Most allergic skin reactions to gold jewelry are caused by other metals like nickel mixed into the alloy, not the pure gold.
Mining risks are from contaminants: Health hazards in gold mining stem from toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide used in extraction, as well as associated contaminants and dust, not the elemental gold itself.
The body stores some gold: When absorbed through medical treatment, gold is excreted slowly, with some residues remaining in the liver, kidneys, and skin for a long time.
Gold does not accumulate from pure exposure: Eating or wearing pure, elemental gold does not lead to absorption or build-up in the body.

The Dual Nature of Gold: A Chemical Perspective

Gold has been valued for millennia for its beauty and permanence, a result of its chemical stability as a noble metal. In its pure, elemental form ($\text{Au}$), gold is highly non-reactive and does not interact with the human body's chemistry. This inert nature makes pure, 24-karat gold non-toxic when ingested in small amounts, passing through the digestive tract without absorption. However, the safety profile changes based on gold's chemical form and exposure method.

The Innocence of Elemental Gold

The forms of gold commonly encountered – in jewelry, dental work, and as edible additives – are generally safe due to their non-reactive state. Food-grade gold (E175), used for aesthetics, must be at least 22 karats pure, ensuring it's not absorbed. Dental gold is biocompatible and corrosion-resistant. Allergic reactions to gold jewelry are usually from other metals in the alloy, like nickel, not the pure gold itself.

The Dangers of Gold Compounds

Unlike its elemental form, chemical gold compounds (gold salts) can be highly toxic. These were historically used in chrysotherapy for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Potential toxic effects of gold compounds:

Skin and Mucous Membrane Reactions: Including dermatitis and stomatitis.
Chrysiasis: Irreversible blue-gray skin discoloration from gold accumulation.
Organ Damage: Potential harm to kidneys and liver.
Blood Issues: Risk of bone marrow suppression.

The Complexities of Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are being investigated for various medical uses. Their toxicity varies based on size, shape, surface coating, and dose. Research is ongoing into their long-term safety, especially regarding potential cellular interactions and organ accumulation.

Occupational Hazards in Gold Mining

Risks in gold mining are mainly from exposure to toxic materials used in extraction or associated with the ore. Mercury and cyanide, used in processing, can cause severe poisoning. Mine tailings can leach heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium, and radon exposure is also a risk. Inhaling fine gold dust can lead to respiratory problems.

Comparative Safety of Gold Forms


Aspect	Elemental Gold (24K, Dental)	Gold Compounds (Gold Salts)	Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)
Toxicity	Minimal to none; biologically inert.	High; can cause severe systemic toxicity.	Variable; depends on size, shape, coating, and dosage.
Mechanism	No chemical reaction; passes through the body.	Released gold ions (${\text{Au}}^{+}$ or ${\text{Au}}^{3+}$) react with biological molecules.	Nanoscale particles interact with cells and tissues.
Primary Exposure	Ingestion (edible leaf), contact (jewelry), implantation (dentistry).	Injections or oral medication for arthritis (historical use).	Injections for targeted medical treatments (investigational and clinical use).
Associated Risks	Allergic reactions primarily due to alloys like nickel.	Severe side effects including organ damage, chrysiasis, and neurotoxicity.	Potential for cellular stress and long-term biodistribution accumulation.
Medical Status	Biocompatible and safe for implants.	Largely phased out in favor of newer drugs due to toxicity.	Promising for new medical applications, pending ongoing safety research.

Conclusion: Responsible Use and Context Are Key

The toxicity of gold depends on its form and how one is exposed. Pure elemental gold is generally safe for consumption and in medical applications due to its inertness. In contrast, gold compounds used historically in medicine carried significant risks. Modern uses like gold nanoparticles show promise but require further safety research. Hazards in mining are linked to toxic processing chemicals and contaminants, not the gold itself. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for responsible use and safety. Read more on gold nanoparticles safety from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

How the Body Handles Gold

Ingested elemental gold is not absorbed and passes through the digestive system. When gold compounds are absorbed, the body excretes it slowly, leading to potential accumulation in organs and tissues. Excretion occurs mainly through urine, bile, and feces, with small amounts via skin.

Gold Allergies: A Look Beyond Pure Gold

Allergic contact dermatitis from jewelry is common but typically due to other metals in gold alloys, particularly nickel. A true gold allergy can be identified with a patch test using gold sodium thiosulfate and can cause localized rashes or reactions to gold in dental work or past medical treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can safely eat pure, elemental gold that is 22 to 24 karats, as it is biologically inert and will pass through your body without being absorbed or causing harm. It is used as a food additive (E175) for decoration, not for nutrition.

The gold in jewelry is generally not toxic, but allergic reactions are possible, especially to the other metals used in the alloy, such as nickel or copper. Higher karat gold (like 18K or 24K) contains less alloy and is less likely to cause a reaction.

Chrysiasis is a condition that results in a blue-gray discoloration of the skin and eyes. It is caused by the long-term accumulation of gold in the body from historical medical treatments using gold salts, known as chrysotherapy.

Gold nanoparticles are currently being researched for medical applications like imaging and cancer therapy. They are often considered biocompatible, but their safety is dependent on factors like size, shape, and dosage, and ongoing research is necessary to fully assess their long-term effects.

The dangers in gold mining are not from the elemental gold itself but from toxic contaminants associated with extraction, such as mercury, cyanide, and arsenic. Exposure to these substances can cause severe health problems for miners and local communities.

Elemental gold passes through the body without absorption. However, if gold is absorbed (as with gold salt therapies or nanoparticles), some of it can be stored in organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin, and its excretion is very slow.

Gold salts are chemical compounds containing gold that were used in chrysotherapy to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Their use has declined due to a high incidence of toxic side effects, including skin, kidney, and blood issues.