Potential carcinogenicity of some transition metal ions was tested using a
direct-current polarography method. The measurements were based on the redu
ction of tested compounds in an anhydrous solution using alpha-lipoic acid
as the detection compound. The potential carcinogenicity was expressed in t
erms of the parameter tg alpha, which is known to directly correlate with t
he carcinogenicity of tested compounds. For the metal ions tested, tg alpha
was found to decrease in the following sequence: Fe(III) > Pb(II) > V(IV)
> Fe(II) > Mn(II) > Cu(II). Zero values of tg alpha were found for Cd(II) a
nd Mn(III).