Barium

137.33

137.90500

231-149-1

24GP945V5T

1052

1400

DTXSID8023894

C61475

Silvery-white, slightly lustrous, body-centered cubic structure

28051910

0

0.22500

Silver-gray rod

3.62 g/cm³

727 °C

1897 °C

Solubility in water: reaction

water-free area

10 mmHg at 1920°F

Oral-dog LDL0: 1 mg/kg (reference: barium metal)

Spontaneous combustion in air; flammable in contact with water; flammable hydrogen in contact with water, alcohol, acid; water and stomach acid can dissolve barium salt poisoning

Dust is dangerous and explosive when exposed to heat, flame, or chemical reaction. Violent or explosive reaction with water, /carbon tetrachloride/, fluorotrichloromethane, trichloroethylene, and /tetrachloroethylene/ ... The powder may ignite or explode in air or other oxidizing gases.

Soft, ductile; pyrophoric when finely divided; emits yellow-green color in flame; dissolves in liquid ammonia; electromotive force (aq) barium(2+)/barium = -2.91 Volts|Reacts violently with acids, water and carbon tetrachloride; very easily oxidized|Naturally occurring isotopes /of barium/ 130, 132, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138; known radioactive isotopes: 117, 119-129, 131, 133, 139-149.|Barium Decay Pathways|Alkaline-earth element of atomic number 56, Group IIA of Periodic Table; extrudable and machinable

Reacts with moisture in the air. Rapidly reacts with water to generate gaseous hydrogen. The heat of reaction is sufficient that the evolved hydrogen may ignite [Lab. Govt. Chemist 1965]. Pyrophoric in powdered form [Bretherick, 1979 p. 170-171].

Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active

Strong Reducing Agent

BARIUM reacts readily with water, ammonia, halogens, oxygen and most acids. Reacts with incandescence when heated with boron trifluoride [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Mixtures of finely divided barium metal and a number of halogenated hydrocarbons (such as monofluorotrichloromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, or tetrachloroethylene) are explosives [ASESB Pot. Incid. 39 1968; Chem. Eng. News 46(9):38 1968].

Barium|D*: Other compounds that may form peroxides|1 ppm, > 1 yr|Management of time-sensitive chemicals (JCHAS)

Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

III

8

UN 3264 8/PG 3

3

25-26-34-36/37/38-14/15-11

23-26-36-36/37/39-45-43-36/37-16

CQ8370000

C,Xi,F

Storehouse ventilated at low temperature and dry; stored separately from acids, oxidants and halogenated hydrocarbons

Hydrogen is explosive when meeting water

Stability Reacts vigorously or violently with acids, water, tetrachloromethane, small halogenated hydrocarbons. Should be stored under an inert material such as petroleum ether to exclude air. Flammable.

P231 + P232-P305 + P351 + P338-P335 + P334-P370 + P378-P402 + P404

H261-H315-H319-H335

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D005, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Incompatible with /trichloro-1,1,2-trilfuoro-1,2,2-ethane/, /trichlorofluoroethane/, /trichloroethylene/ and water, 1,1,2-trichlorotriluoroethane, and fluorotrichloroethane.|When heated to approximately 200C in hydrogen, barium reacts violently, forming BaH2.|Barium reacts violently with acids ... A violent reaction occurred when small chunks of barium were cleaned by submerging in chemically pure carbon tetrachloride ... Mixtures of finely divided barium metal and a number of halogenated hydrocarbons possess explosive capability. Specifically, impact sensitivity tests have shown that granular barium in contact with monofluorotrichloromethane, trichlorotrifluorethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, or tetrachloroethylene can detonate.|Barium rapidly decomposes water. The heat of reaction is sufficent that the evolved hydrogen may ignite.|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for Barium, Elemental (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies of Barium Chloride Dihydrate in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Drinking Water Studies). Technical Report Series No. 432 (1994) NIH Publication No. 94-3163 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. (ERG, 2016)|Flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.|Flammable - 3rd degree, Reactive - 2nd degree

|Danger|H260 (14.36%): In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]|P223, P231+P232, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P312, P321, P330, P332+P313, P335+P334, P337+P313, P362, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 420 companies from 18 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H261: In contact with water releases flammable gas [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]|P231+P232, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P312, P314, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Warning|P231+P232, P261, P264, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so. POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2016)|Wear rubber gloves, rubber protective clothing & apron, goggles, & /particulate/ filter mask.

Barium powder is a flammable solid.

Reacts violently with halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, causing a fire and explosion hazard.|Dust is dangerous and explosive when exposed to heat, flame, or chemical reaction. Violent or explosive reaction with water, /carbon tetrachloride/, fluorotrichloromethane, trichloroethylene, and /tetrachloroethylene/ ... The powder may ignite or explode in air or other oxidizing gases.

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguisher ... If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position ... The only respirators recommended for fire fighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full facepieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.|If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not use water. Use graphite, soda ash, powdered sodium chloride, or suitable dry powder. If fire is massive, back off, protect surroundings, and let burn. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air (if in powder form).|Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents, such as water, bicarbonate, powder, foam, and carbon dioxide.

Spill handling: evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Small quantities of barium metal may be dissolved in large quantities of water. Soda ash is added and the solution then neutralized with /hydrochloric acid/. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area of spill or lead after clean-up is complete. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations.

To keep dust concentration below recommended levels, processes should be enclosed &/or exhaust ventilation installed.|Adequate washing & ... sanitary facilities should be provided ... & rigorous personal hygiene measures should be encouraged. Smoking & consumption of food & beverages in workshops should be prohibited. Floors in workshops should be made of impermeable materials & frequently washed down.|SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.|SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Barium, Elemental (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Fire or Explosion: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.|/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.|/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate the area before entry.|/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Barium, Elemental (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Separated from halogenated solvents, strong oxidants and acids. Dry. Keep under inert gas, oil or oxygen-free liquid.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles.

| 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.| 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.| 3 - Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but that require a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.

Barium is a silvery-white metal which exists in nature only in ores containing mixtures of elements. It combines with other chemicals such as sulfur or carbon and oxygen to form barium compounds.Barium compounds are used by the oil and gas industries to make drilling muds. Drilling muds make it easier to drill through rock by keeping the drill bit lubricated. They are also used to make paint, bricks, ceramics, glass, and rubber.Barium sulfate is sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests and to take x-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.

D005; A waste containing barium may or may not be characterized as a hazardous waste following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). /Barium/

D005; A solid waste containing barium may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Barium/

most toxic

IDENTIFICATION: Barium is a yellowish white soft metal that is strongly electropositive. In nature barium occurs in a combined state, the principal forms being barite (barium sulfate) and witherite (barium carbonate). Barium is also present in small quantities in igneous rocks such as feldspar and micas. It may also be found as a natural component of fossil fuel and is present in the air, water and soil. HUMAN EXPOSURE: Exposure to barium can occur through the air, water or food. Another souce of barium is nuclear fallout. The average person accumulates 91% of barium in bones. Trace quantities are found in various tissues such as the aorta, brain, heart, kidney, spleen, pancreas and lung. Total barium in human beings tends to increase with age and the levels in the body depend on the geographical location of the individual /SRP: Some sources say barium decreases with age/. Barium has also been found in all samples of stillborn babies, suggesting it can cross the placenta. Inhaled barium can be absorbed through the lung or directly from the nasal membrane into the blood. Barium is eliminated in the urine and feces, the rates varying with the route of administration. Within 24 hr approximately 20% of the barium dose, injected into humans was eliminated in the feces and approxinately 5% in the urine. Plasma barium is almost eliminated from the blood stream within 24 hr. ANIMAL/PLANT STUDIES: In general, barium does not accumulate in common plants in sufficient quantities to be toxic to animals. Large quantities of barium (as high as 1260 mg/kg) accumulated in legumes, alfalfa and soybeans. The elimination of ingested barium in animals occurs mainly in the feces rather than in the urine. An estimated of the biological half-life for barium in the rat is 90-120 days. The acute effects of barium ingestion in animals includes salivation, nausea, diarrhea, tachycardia, hypokalaemia, twitching, flacid paralysis of skeletal muscle, respiratory muscle paralysis and ventricular fibrillation may lead to death. Various studies have demonstrated the detremental effect of barium upon ventricular automaticity and pacemaker current in the heart. IV barium injections to anesthetized dogs indicated that these acute effects were due to prompt and substantial hypokalemia. Barium causes mild skin and eye irritation. No conclusive association was found between the level of barium in the drinking water and the incidence of congenital malformations. There is no evidence that barium is carcinogenic. Rats given 10 or 100 mg barium/L in their drinking water for 16 months experienced hypertension, but at a level of 1 mg/L did not induce any blood pressure changes. Analysis of myocardial function at 16 months (100 mg barium/L) revealed significantly altered cardiac contractility and excitability, myocardial metabolic disturbances and hypersensitivity of the cardiovascular system to sodium pentobarbital. Barium posesses chemical and physiological properties that allow it to compete with and replace calcium, particularly those relating to the release of adrenal catecholamines and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine. Barium affects the development of germinating bacterial spores and has a variety of specific effects on different microorganisms including the inhibition of cellular processes. Little information is available on the effects of barium on aquatic organisms. There were no effects on survival of fish following exposure for 30 days. However, in a 21 day study, impairment of reproduction and reduction in growth in daphnids. Marine plants as well as invertebrates may actively accumulate barium from sea water.

... Those individuals with pulmonary diseases.

Barium metal does not occur free in nature.

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 10,394 workers (3,598 of these were female) were potentially exposed to barium in the US(1).|Ingestion or inhalation of dust or fume, skin or eye contact.

The absorption of ingested barium depends on factors such as the presence of food in the intestine, the sulfate content in the food, the age of the animal, and the location of the barium in the GI tract.|... The standard man ... of 70 kg contains approx 22 mg of barium ... A major part of the element is concentrated in the bone (nearly 91%), the remainder being in soft tissues such as the aorta, brain, heart, kidney, spleen, pancreas, and lung ... In human beings there is no increase of total barium with age, except in the aorta and lung ... Barium deposition in the bone occurred preferentially in the active sites of bone growth.|In healthy human beings in a state of barium equilibrium (virtually all of the intake occurring by mouth), approx 91% of the total output was found in the feces, 6% in sweat, and 3% in urine ...|... Barium has been identified in all samples taken from stillborn babies and children up to 1 yr of age, implying that barium can cross the placental barrier and be transported in the maternal milk.|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Barium, Elemental (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The biological half-time for barium in the bone of mice seems to be 100 days ...|An estimate of the biological half-life for barium in the rat is 90-120 days.

Impurities: Calcium, magnesium, and alkali metal compounds

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: Some heavy metals are VERY TOXIC POISONS, especially if their salts are very soluble in water (e.g., lead, chromium, mercury, bismuth, osmium, and arsenic). IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. Also locate Ipecac syrup or a glass of salt water in case the medical advisor recommends inducing vomiting. Usually, this is NOT RECOMMENDED outside of a physician's care. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Barium and Related Compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Do not attempt to neutralize because of exothermic reaction. Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Barium and Related Compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously Watch for signs of fluid overload. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Barium and Related Compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The health effects associated with occupational exposure to barium during arc welding with barium-containing stick electrodes and flux-cored wires were investigated ... A group of 18 healthy welders not using barium-containing consumables in the past 10 days was divided into three groups: group A (n = 8, mean age 30.4 years) performed arc welding with barium-containing stick electrodes, group B (n = 5, mean age 43.6 years) performed arc welding with barium-containing self-shielded flux-cored wires, and group C (n = 5, mean age 32.0 years) performed arc welding with barium-containing self-shielded flux-cored wires using welding guns with built-in ventilation systems. All welders performed welding with barium-free consumables on Thursday and Friday of the first week of the study. Barium-containing consumables were used during week 2 of the study and on Monday of week 3. The subjects welded for an average of 4 hr/day. The average barium concentrations in the breathing zones were 4.4 (range 0.1-22.7), 2.0 (0.3-6.0), and 0.3 (0.1-1.5) mg/cu m for groups A, B, and C, respectively. No exposure-related subjective adverse health symptoms or neurological signs were found. No significant differences between pre- and post-shift electrocardiogram, pulse rate, whole-blood pH, base excess and standard bicarbonate, or plasma concentrations of sodium, magnesium, and total and ionized calcium were observed. During week 2, decreases in plasma potassium concentrations were observed in groups A and C; the levels returned to the normal range under continuation of barium exposure and were not statistically different from levels during week 1 (no barium exposure). This drop in serum potassium levels was not observed in group B, which had a barium exposure level similar to that of group A.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... In cases of individuals exposed to very high concentrations of airborne barium; the effects include electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, muscle weakness and paralysis, hypokalemia, and abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ All cases of acute oral barium poisoning in adults exhibit gastrointestinal disturbances as the initial symptoms. These include gastric pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In one case, severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred in an adult male victim.|/CASE REPORTS/ The rapid onset of reflex paralysis was reported in a chrome-plating worker following the inhalation of barium powder. Complete recovery occurred during the 5 day period that followed exposure.

Barium

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

Cough. Sore throat.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Grades: technical; pure; forms: rods, wire, plate, powder|Composition of commercial barium metal:|Barium-cadmium cmpd: powder grade; barium-cadmium-organic phosphorus cmpd: liq grades, liq & solid grades; barium-cadmium-zinc-organic phosphorus cmpd: liq grade, liq & solid grades; barium-zinc cmpd: powder & liq grades, liq & solid grades

Mining (except oil and gas) and support activities|Barium: ACTIVE|Production of ultra pure barium metal has been investigated on a lab scale. Redistillation, zone recrystallization, and combinations of these techniques have been studied. Impurity levels of less than 100 ppm have been attained.

Chemical Classes -> Inorganic substances|Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 3rd degree, Reactive - 2nd degree