In this review we have discussed the chemistry and biochemistry of lipid peroxidation as well as lipid repair mechanisms in human RBCs. We have presented findings relating to the effect of lipid peroxidation on the RBC membrane and on several properties that are determinants of RBC survival in vivo. Since we have not discussed how oxidative damage to membrane proteins or hemoglobin may affect RBC survival, the role of lipid oxidation must be considered in a broader perspective. Considerable evidence has recently been reported to indicate that oxidative hemoglobin denaturation plays an extremely important role in RBC survival. Since all cellular components are susceptible to peroxidative damage, it is likely that multiple reactions will be important with regard to RBC oxidant injury, just as they have been implicated in many degenerative processes, and that certain "compartments" of the membrane may be more susceptible than others due to congenital or acquired defects in membrane structure.