The haemolytic action of particulate metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Fe, Mo, Ni, Ta, Ti, Zn, Co-Cr alloy).

The haemolytic action of particulate cadmium, chromium, cobalt, iron, molybdenum, nickel, tantalum, titanium, zinc and cobalt-chromium alloy is described. Cobalt, nickel and cobalt-chromium alloy were found to be the most active and were also the most toxic for other cells in tissue culture. In contrast the other particulate metals produced only low levels of haemolysis and in general, were well tolerated by cells in culture. A dual effect of particulate metals is described due firstly to a direct interaction between the particle surface and cell membrane and secondly to the possible toxic effects of dissolved metal.