INHIBITION OF CHRYSOTILE HEMOLYSIS BY POLYMERS

Carboxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyridine N-oxide were tested for their ability to inhibit chrysotile induced hemolysis. Carboxymethylcellulose proved to be an antagonist when used for pretreatment of asbestos dust as well as when the chrysotile-erythrocyte interaction was allowed to take place in its presence. Pretreatment of erythrocytes with the polymer, before their exposure to chrysotile did not prevent the hemolytic action of chrysotile. Polyvinylpyridine N-oxide was antihemolytic to a lesser extent and only at higher concentrations.