Barium — is a heavy metal from the alkaline earth metals group, which has no physiological significance for the human body. It does not participate in biochemical processes and exhibits pronounced toxicity when entering the body.
The main danger of barium is associated with its soluble salts (such as barium chloride or nitrate), which are quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and have a toxic effect.
Sources and Routes of Exposure
Barium and its compounds can enter the body through:
- contaminated drinking water;
- food grown in soils with high barium content;
- inhalation of dust in industries (metallurgy, ceramics, pigments, fireworks);
- non-compliance with safety regulations when working with barium chemical compounds.
Metallic barium is relatively inert, but its soluble salts pose a serious danger.
Mechanisms of Toxic Action
Barium blocks potassium channels in cells, leading to disruption of nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction. This causes serious disturbances in the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Additionally, barium salts can accumulate in bone tissue, displacing calcium and disrupting mineral metabolism.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Acute intoxication is characterized by:
- severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting;
- diarrhea with possible bleeding;
- muscle cramps and tremors;
- heart rhythm disturbances, drop in blood pressure;
- difficulty breathing up to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
Chronic exposure to barium salts can lead to weakness, decreased appetite, anemia, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Applications and Precautions
Barium compounds are widely used in industry: in the production of dyes, optical glass, fireworks, and electronics.
Barium sulfate, unlike soluble salts, is insoluble and is used in medicine as a contrast agent for radiological examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. It is safe as it is not absorbed in the intestines.
Conclusion
Barium is classified as a toxic heavy metal that poses a serious health risk when entering the body in the form of soluble compounds.
It causes severe disturbances in the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.
The only safe form is barium sulfate, used in medicine as a contrast agent.
To prevent intoxication, it is necessary to limit exposure to barium and strictly adhere to safety regulations when working with its compounds.