Colloid generators

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Updated – July 30, 2024

Colloid generators have been gaining popularity recently. Therefore, questions arise about their effectiveness, safety and price.

Colloid generators are offered in price ranges from around 60 euros up to just under 300 euros. “Kits” via YouTube video instructions should represent a material value of around 10 euros.

It makes sense to understand the function of such “generators” on a physical level in order to understand which mechanisms are connected and influence the quality of the colloid.

How do these devices differ?

The simplest and cheapest constructions range from terminal blocks with two connected electrodes, as well as cables to a plug-in power supply with a fixed voltage of 15V at 100 mA, to housings that contain these components and have a somewhat more solid appearance, but also devices that have a Automatic voltage and current control monitored by a microprocessor, including a display for displaying the selected settings, electrical conductivity / ppm values, detection of dendrite formation and corresponding electrode switching, etc.

After that, it should be clear that - just like that - it is not possible to achieve consistently high quality in the end product and that the cheap products flooding the market represent neither a guarantee of safety nor a responsible handling of this matter, not to mention the relevant approvals. However, these are precisely intended to provide the end customer with basic security.

Even a CE sticker is no guarantee for actual, unless a named test technician declares with sole responsibility in a legally binding manner on a cover letter enclosed with the product that the product with the designation (name), (serial number) complies with the requirements of the standards and directives 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility DIN EN 61326, Edition: 2002-03, Electrical equipment for control technology laboratory use - EMC requirements (IEC 61326:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2000); German version EN 61326:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2001 72/23/EEC Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits DIN EN 61010-1, Edition: 2002-08 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, voltage supply, electrode regulation and laboratory use 1: General requirements (IEC 61010-1:2001); German version EN 61010-1:2001 and the test reports used and therefore complies with the regulations. This is followed by the full legally binding address, including contact details and WEEE marking number in accordance with Directive 2002/96/EC.

There is no doubt that the purchased product is also accompanied by a proper invoice, as well as warranty conditions, as well as legal warranty and objection/return information (for online purchases), - this assumes a certain level of seriousness on the part of the company.

A device that generates concentrations defined using adjustable ppm/mg values is sold by various suppliers under the commonly used name “CM2000” or CM2000 S”.

Providers who offer devices as “used” without any approvals and who do not provide an invoice or instructions for use are acting in an unscrupulous manner when it comes to health and not only questionable from a tax perspective...

Studies

A study on marketing practices (in Finland) was carried out in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy/Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland written and is here available in full text.

Another study in Full text deals with the mostly incorrect product information provided by manufacturers of colloidal silver solutions and comes to the conclusion that the vast majority of misleading information is given about the products.

This study, unfortunately not available in full text, deals with the oral application of colloidal silver and its influence on the organism. The work can be as Print edition be obtained.

Basics

Colloids

What is meant by a colloid? A colloid is electrically charged, mutually repelling particles (size 1 nm .. 1 μm, size range of many molecules and most viruses; recommended particle size for silver 5 .. 10 nm) that are in the dispersion medium (liquid, gas or Solid) are finely distributed and do not sink to the bottom. Milk and blood are also colloids.

The production of colloids can be done in different ways. The so-called “generators” are used for ionic production in the electrolysis process. Electrodes subjected to direct current cause the deposition of ions (silver -> silver ions, gold -> gold ions, etc.). Likewise, colloids can be produced in colloid mills or chemically, from powdered materials.

The amount of ions deposited depends, among other things, on the voltage used on the electrodes, the current set and the duration of the electrolysis process.

electrolysis

Electrolysis is the process of the redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction induced by direct voltage, the exchange of electrons between two reaction media (e.g. silver and water). The reducing agent (silver) is oxidized and loses electrons, while the oxidizing agent (water) accepts its electrons.

Solutions prepared in this way with “generators”, provided they are stored properly (silver -> dark glass bottle, closed and stored in the dark), usually retain their effectiveness for around three months.

Another manufacturing process, the Bredig (high-voltage plasma) process (voltages of approx. 10 kV), enables a shelf life of up to one year. Here, the two (silver) electrodes are placed at a distance from each other that allows an arc to be formed when the high voltage is applied and the silver evaporates at a temperature of 2,162 °C in order to allow it to condense in the water as a colloidal particle.

Effect and concentration

Silver has a bactericidal effect and is therefore used for disinfection. The concentration should not exceed 10 ppm in order to, on the one hand, provide the largest possible surface area for the finest particles distributed in the water and, on the other hand, to prevent the particles from joining together and clumping together due to high concentrations. This results in a reduction of the effective surface and the actual purpose is missed.

Since a ppm measurement is not possible under household-like conditions and electrolysis depends on electricity, amount of water and time, knowing these parameters can be used to estimate the concentration achieved using a here available calculation tools.

Raw materials

The purity of the colloid depends on the purity of the electrodes used. The source of supply should have an analysis certificate available about the actual purity.

Medical aspects

If you realize that many materials, apart from heavy metals and this also includes silver, from which a colloidal solution is to be produced, are trace elements in the human body, it is easy to imagine that the amount supplied is of fundamental importance. Ultimately, the controversial Paracelsus already knew how to proclaim “Sola dosis facit venenum” around 1527 (only the dose makes the poison).

In this respect, when producing colloids, apart from the still controversial effectiveness of such colloids, care must be taken to adhere to various parameters mentioned above in order not to obtain higher concentrations than the intended ones. Since measuring ppm requires a lot of equipment and financial effort, you are well advised to stick to the manufacturer's documented information if you want to avoid nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, etc. as signs of overdose .

Often cited in connection with colloidal silver Argyria (Grey discoloration of the skin after ingesting > 1g of elemental silver) due to accumulation in the organism when excessive intake of colloidal silver solutions confirms the fact stated by Paracelsus at the beginning, but in the case of an American mentioned in the literature refers to the ingestion of silver salts.

But the absorption of silver through the skin, as the largest organ, should not be underestimated and can e.g Dyshidrosis cause reddened skin areas, usually itchy and intermittent pustule formation, especially on the sides of the fingers, palms and soles of the feet (Podopompholyx) expresses. The blisters can burst and ooze, which in turn can lead to inflammatory reactions. During the healing phase, the skin flakes. The clinical picture can extend over a longer period of time.

A possible malformation in newborns cannot be ruled out if colloidal silver (salt) solutions were taken during pregnancy.

Silver (salt) deposits in organs, the central nervous system, mucous membranes and skin are irreversible. Symptoms can include chronic upper abdominal pain, taste, gait and balance disorders, dizziness or seizures.