Identification of viable and nonviable cells in scanning electron microscopy.

A method is presented for identification of viable and nonviable cells in scanning electron microscopy by use of maps of colored light micrographs of conventionally stained monolayers of alveolar macrophages. The content of phagocyted metal particles in relation to the cell viability can be estimated by using a scanning electron microscope combined with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer. This method makes it possible to assess the toxic effects of different air pollutants in combinations occurring in the general environment and different working conditions.