The hepatic non-haem iron concentrations of 1 143 subjects dying in Durban, Pretoria and Cape Town were determined. The effects of certain disease processes upon liver iron stores were confirmed, and data from subjects dying from such diseases were excluded. No significant differences were revealed between comparable groups from the 3 cities. In Whites and Bantu, the median values were higher in adult males than in postmenopausal females, and lowest in premenopausal females, reflecting the greater iron requirements imposed by menstruation and pregnancy. The figures in the Bantu were significantly higher than those in the corresponding members of each of the other population groups. In addition, suggestive evidence was obtained that a significant proportion of Coloured males have iron stores that are lower than normal. In contrast to the situation in adults, significantly lower concentrations were found in Bantu children than in White children. The probable explanation for these observations is that the Bantu children are not exposed to the majorsource of superfluous dietary iron, namely the homebrewed beers