While at high levels, the elements become poisonous or toxic. M uch work has been done in the medical industry to preserve life in the test tube. In this regard, multiple attempts to develop the perfect culture media have been made. P hysiologic saline is commonly used as a wound soak. Sodium chloride has been used for eons as a food preservative.
Sodium is rich in the serum but poor in the intracellular water.
Cells expend much of their energy in expelling sodium from the cell. The application of high concentrations of sodium overcomes the cell pump and becomes toxic. In poorly vascularized lesions, however, the application of saline is potentially toxic and may impede wound healing. Sea Soaks has been designed for the care of these lesions. As determined on water from the Atlantic Ocean taken 5 miles off the shore of New Jersey 0n October 25th, 1982.