HEMOLYTIC ACTION OF SILVER OCCURRING AS AN IMPURITY IN CHEMICALLY PURE SODIUM CHLORIDE

Abstract

The hemolysis of fish erythrocytes by isotonic solutions made from certain brands of NaCl has been shown with the aid of the spectrograph to be due to Ag occurring as an impurity (10-3 to 10-4%) originating from the use of silver-lined vessels in the purification process. A simple procedure for the removal of Ag from such salts by adsorption on charcoal is described. Palladium is the only other element that has been found as effective as Ag in causing hemolysis. Since the toxic action of Ag is not limited to the hemolysis of fish erythrocytes, it is suggested that Ag-free NaCl be used in the preparation of physiological saline solutions.