Ferrokinetic studies, alpha globin gene mapping, and assessment of iron status have been carried out in 16 healthy subjects with heterozygous beta thalassaemia. Six subjects had coinherited alpha thalassaemia and had more balanced alpha/beta globin chain synthesis ratios than the remaining 10 subjects with uncomplicated heterozygous beta thalassaemia. The overall efficiency of erythropoiesis was significantly reduced in the latter group (mean 76 +/- 17 (SD)% of normal), but was indistinguishable from normal in subjects with coexistent alpha thalassaemia. Red cell survival was unimpaired in both groups, indicating that the defect was one of mild ineffective erythropoiesis rather than peripheral haemolysis. Values for total plasma iron turnover were normal or only slightly increased. This suggests a lack of any additional stimulus to erythropoiesis, which might normally be expected to compensate easily for the mild degree of anaemia. Uncomplicated heterozygous beta thalassaemia produces an extremely mild disorder of erythropoiesis, which is dependent on the imbalance between alpha and beta globin chain synthesis, and is not associated with a risk of serious iron overload.