Pathogenic and carcinogenic properties of silicon carbide.

The article presents the influence of silicon carbide upon an organism, on the basis of the publications which, according to Chemical Abstracts, appeared on this subject from 1944 until 1987. The insolubility of silicon carbide, in the liquids of an organism and its indigestibility are indicated. A connection is presented between the size and shape of micrograins and the probability of tumor formation in rats; and the difference between silicon carbide and other dusts in the absorption of x-rays, inhibition of the TTC-dehydrogenase activity, collagenisation of lesions, carcinogenicity are also presented. The problem of interpretation of radiological images of lungs in people exposed to the influence of carborundum dust is dealt with. The biological inertness of silicon carbide is questioned.