barium

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 9.4% (49 of 519) of reports.

H228 (37.8%): Flammable solid [Danger Flammable solids]

H260 (42.6%): In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H261 (44.5%): In contact with water releases flammable gas [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H301 (36.2%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H314 (36.2%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H315 (43.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (36.2%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H319 (43.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (43.4%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P210, P223, P231+P232, P240, P241, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P335+P334, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 519 reports by companies from 19 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 49 of 519 reports by companies.

There are 17 notifications provided by 470 of 519 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H261: In contact with water releases flammable gas [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P231+P232, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P231+P232, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P402+P404, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

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)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. (ERG, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:

DO NOT USE WATER, CO2 OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. Some of these materials may react violently with water. CAUTION: For Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite) UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, USE FLOODING AMOUNTS OF WATER for SMALL AND LARGE fires to stop the reaction. Smothering will not work for these materials, they do not need air to burn.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or DRY sand, EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime EXCEPT for UN1384, UN1923, UN1929 and UN3342, or withdraw from area and let fire burn. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers or in contact with substance. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use special powder, dry sand. NO water.

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.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from 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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

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.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from 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, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

SMALL SPILL: CAUTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2024)

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

Barium metal should be stored in a dry area, separated from halogenated solvents, strong oxidants, acids, in tightly closed containers under an inert gas blanket, petroleum, or oxygen-free liquid. Rubber gloves, rubber protective clothing and apron, goggles and /particulate/ filter mask should be worn when working in a barium storage area.

Store under inert gas, petroleum, or other oxygen-free liquid.

... Packaged in argon filled plastic bags inside argon filled steel containers.

Barium is packaged in airtight steel drums containing up to 100 kg of the metal under argon or paraffin oil. Smaller amounts (1-10 kg) are packaged in tin cans, and even smaller samples are packaged in hermetically sealed glass bottles.

Barium should always be stored in a dry, well ventilated place and every contact with moisture and air avoided.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.5 [mg/m3], as Ba, inhalable fraction (soluble compds)[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

1.5 [mg/m3]

42 [mg/m3]

250 [mg/m3]

0.5 mg/m³

0.5 [mg/m3], as Ba

50 mg Ba/m3 [From IDLH Table: Barium (soluble compounds, as Ba)] (NIOSH, 2024)

50.0 [mg/m3], as Ba

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Human data: It has been reported that the lethal oral dose is 43 to 57 mg Ba/kg [Reeve 1979]. [Note: An oral dose of 43 to 57 mg Ba/kg is equivalent to a 70-kg worker being exposed to 2,007 to 2,660 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]

1100 mg Ba/m³

0.5 mg/m

(as Ba): 0.5 mg/m

(as Ba, inhalable fraction): 0.5 mg/m

Intermediate Oral: 0.2 mg/kg/day (Barium salts) (L134)

Chronic Oral: 0.2 mg/kg/day (Barium salts) (L134)

· DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

Large Fire

· DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Metals or Powders (Aluminum, Lithium, Magnesium, etc.)

· Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see GUIDE 170.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

Barium byproduct materials under NRC export/import licensing authority: Barium-131, Barium-133, Barium-140: Any accelerator-produced, extracted, or converted for use for a commercial, medical, or research activity.

Table: Quantities of Licensed Material Requiring Labeling [Table#4943]

For combinations of radioactive materials, consideration of the need for an emergency plan is required if the sum of the ratios of the quantity of each radioactive material authorized to the quantity listed for that material in Schedule C exceeds one.

Table: Quantities of Radioactive Materials Requiring Emergency Plan for Responding to a Release. [Table#4944]

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

Of isotopes of barium, (140)Ba has longest half-life and contributes 10% of total fission products at 10 days after nuclear fall-out, but at 60 days its contribution ... /will be/ 2% of total activity.

Thirteen ... radioactive isotopes are known to exist.

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 when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Barium appears as a silver to white metallic solid. Contact may cause burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make other chemicals.

Barium alloy, pyrophoric is mixture of barium and other metals or nonmetallic elements to improve the specific usefulness of barium. Barium alloys are a solid and can ignite spontaneously in contact with air. This material is toxic and products given off in fire could be very toxic.

Other Solid

Elemental barium: a silver to white metallic solid; [CAMEO]

YELLOWISH-TO-WHITE LUSTROUS SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

A silver to white metallic, odorless solid

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

2984 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

1897 °C @760 [mm Hg]

1337 °F (NTP, 1992)

Reacts with water; slightly soluble in ethanol

Solubility in water: reaction

3.51 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

3.62 g/cu cm

3.6 g/cm³

3.51 at 68 °F

3.62 @25 °C

10 mmHg at 1920 °F (NTP, 1992)

1 Pa, 638 °C; 10 Pa, 765 °C; 100 Pa, 912 °C; 1 kPa, 1115 °C; 10 kPa, 1413 °C; 100 kPa, 1897 °C

10 mmHg at 1920 °F

The free element oxidizes readily in moist air.

224 dynes/cm (liq form of barium) at 720 °C in argon atmosphere as determined by bubbler pressure method

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

Table: Natural Isotopes [Table#4942]

Alkaline-earth element of atomic number 56, Group IIA of Periodic Table; extrudable and machinable

electron density of states

dielectric constant

electromagnetic induction

optical coefficient

resonance strength

crystal structure

fusion temperature

Debye frequency

deformation parameter

dielectricity

enthalpy

radiation

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].

Finely divided metal powder is pyrophoric, ignites spontaneously in air [Bretherick 1979 p. 170-171]. Alloys containing a substantial proportion of barium rapidly decomposed water. The heat of the reaction is sufficient that the evolved hydrogen may ignite [Lab. Govt. Chemist 1965].

Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active

Strong Reducing Agent

Water-Reactive

Pyrophoric

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].

Alloys containing a substantial amount of barium react violently with acids [Lab. Gov. Chemist 1965].

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.

D*: Other compounds that may form peroxides

1 ppm, > 1 yr

Management of time-sensitive chemicals (JCHAS)

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

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.

Barium is a competitive potassium channel antagonist that blocks the passive efflux of intracellular potassium, resulting in a shift of potassium from extracellular to intracellular compartments. The intracellular translocation of potassium results in a decreased resting membrane potential, making the muscle fibers electrically unexcitable and causing paralysis. (L214)

Barium and Compounds

2 x 10 ^-1 mg/kg-day

Trace element

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE CHARACTERIZATION: Under EPA's 1986 Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment, barium would be classified as Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. /Based on former classification system/

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Barium and soluble compounds, as Ba/

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

The health effects of the different barium compounds depend on how well the compound dissolves in water or the stomach contents. At low doses, barium acts as a muscle stimulant, while higher doses affect the nervous system, causing cardiac irregularities, tremors, weakness, anxiety, dyspnea, paralysisand possibly death. Barium may also cause gastrointestinal disturbances, damage the kidneys and cause decreases in body weight. (L214)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

Oral (L214) ; inhalation (L214)

Cough. Sore throat.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Ingesting excess barium may cause vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, difficulties in breathing, increased or decreased blood pressure, numbness around the face, and muscle weakness. High levels may result in changes in heart rhythm or paralysis and possibly death. (L214)

Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys)

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

HEAST Current

IRIS Current

ATSDR Final

Intravenous infusion of potassium often relieves many of the symptoms of barium toxicity. (L214)

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/

Consideration should be given to the skin, eye, heart, & lung in any placement or periodic examination.

... Individuals with pulmonary diseases /should be protected from exposure/.

/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.

Acute toxicity was evaluated in a bioassay of mice L-cells exposed to a test water medium containing lead, silver, arsenic, barium, cadmium, and chromium had EC50 values (50% reduction in protein synthesis) were 0.5 mg/l, lead; 0.5 mg/l, silver; 0.5 mg/l, arsenic; 0.1 mg/l, cadmium; 0.1 mg/l, barium; 0.2 mg/l, chromium. No other observations were reported.

... Those individuals with pulmonary diseases.

1.50e+04

2.20e+05

5.20e-01

2.20e+00

3.80e+03

1.50e+04

2.20e+05

5.20e-01

2.20e+00

3.80e+03

2.00e+03

1.60e+02

8.20e+01

2.00e-01

5.00e-04

Volatile

4.60e+04

6.50e+05

1.60e+00

6.60e+00

1.10e+04

Barium metal does not occur free in nature.

Barium is toxic to plants only in extreme conditions, such as those around barite mines, where soil concentration as high as 33,500 ppm of total barium have been reported

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.

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.

/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.

UN 1400; Barium

IMO 4.3; Barium

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.

Dangerous When Wet

Spontaneously Combustible

UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: II