Barium Hydroxide Toxicity - Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What Is Barium Hydroxide?

Barium hydroxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Ba(OH)2. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and has a strong alkaline taste. Barium hydroxide is a strong base and can react with acids to form barium salts. It is commonly used in industrial and laboratory applications as a reagent, as well as in the production of other barium compounds. Barium hydroxide is highly toxic and corrosive.

What Are the Uses of Barium Hydroxide?

Following are some of the common uses of Barium hydroxide:

• Lubricating Oils: Barium hydroxide is used in the production of lubricating oils for automobiles and machinery. It is used as an additive to improve the viscosity index. It also reduces the wear and tear of the metal components.

• Paper Products: Barium hydroxide helps to produce paper products such as printing paper, newsprint, and coated paper. It is used as a filler to improve the paper's whiteness and opacity.

• Plastic Products: They act as an additive during manufacturing as it improves their properties.

• Detergents: Barium hydroxide is used in the production of detergents and soaps. It acts as a saponifying agent to convert fats and oils into soap.

• Purification of Sugar: Barium hydroxide purifies sugar by removing impurities and color from raw sugar cane juice.

• Laboratory Applications: Barium hydroxide has various laboratory applications, such as titration and analysis of acids and bases.

• Dehydration of Organic Compounds: Barium hydroxide is used in the dehydration of organic compounds. It is used as a desiccant (drying agent) to remove water from organic solvents.

• Neutralization of Acids: Barium hydroxide neutralizes acids. It is used to neutralize acidic wastewater and effluent (sewage) from various industries.

• Production of Barium Salts: Barium hydroxide produces various barium salts, such as barium nitrate, barium chloride, and barium carbonate. These salts have various industrial applications like the manufacturing of fireworks, ceramics, and glass.

What Is Barium Hydroxide Toxicity?

Barium hydroxide toxicity refers to the harmful effects that can occur when an individual is exposed to high levels of barium hydroxide, which is a highly toxic and caustic compound. Barium hydroxide can cause severe health effects if ingested, inhaled, or exposed to the skin or eyes. The toxicity of barium hydroxide can differ depending on the route and duration of exposure, individual sensitivity to the chemical, and other factors.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.5 mg/m3 (milligrams of barium per cubic meter of air) for an eight-hour workday, 40-hour workweek. This is the maximum concentration of barium hydroxide that a worker should be exposed to without experiencing adverse health effects.

What Are the Causes of Barium Hydroxide Toxicity?

Workers in industries that use barium hydroxide, such as paper, petroleum, and chemical industries, are at risk of exposure to the chemical. Barium hydroxide toxicity can develop through various routes which include:

• Ingestion: The most common cause of barium hydroxide toxicity is ingestion. Accidental ingestion of barium hydroxide can occur in industrial settings or households where it may be stored improperly or mistaken for another substance.

• Inhalation: Barium hydroxide can also cause toxicity when it is inhaled in the form of dust or fumes. This can occur in industrial settings where the chemical is used or during mishandling or transport. People who inhale barium hydroxide in the form of dust or fumes can cause toxicity.

• Skin and Eye Contact: Barium hydroxide can cause severe chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.

• Environmental Exposure: Barium hydroxide can enter the environment through various sources, including contaminated soil, industrial discharges, and groundwater. Exposure to contaminated water or soil can cause harmful health effects in humans and animals.

What Are the Symptoms of Barium Hydroxide Toxicity?

Symptoms of barium hydroxide toxicity can occur usually within a few hours to a few days after exposure. Individuals may experience some symptoms which include:

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Barium hydroxide ingestion causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Respiratory Symptoms: Exposure to barium hydroxide can result in difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, and lung damage.

• Cardiovascular Symptoms: This toxicity can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), irregular heartbeat, and cardiovascular collapse.

• Skin and Eye Irritation: Barium hydroxide can cause severe skin and eye irritation, with symptoms such as redness, itching, and pain.

• Kidney Damage: Long-term exposure to barium hydroxide can cause kidney damage and may lead to kidney failure.

• Muscle Weakness: It can cause muscle weakness and sometimes tremors, and convulsions.

How Is Barium Hydroxide Toxicity Treated?

The treatment for barium hydroxide toxicity aims to manage symptoms, prevent further absorption of the chemical, and support organ function. Barium hydroxide toxicity can be managed with the help of the following treatment methods:

• Decontamination: The first step in treating this toxicity is to remove any contaminated clothing and wash the exposed area of the skin properly with soap and water. If the chemical has been ingested, vomiting may be induced or gastric lavage may be performed to remove the chemical from the stomach.

• Supportive Care: Depending on the severity of symptoms, individuals with barium hydroxide toxicity may require hospitalization and supportive care, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medications to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting.

• Chelation Therapy: In severe cases of barium hydroxide toxicity, chelation therapy may be used to remove the chemical from the body. Chelation therapy involves administering chemicals that bind to barium and removes it from the bloodstream.

• Monitoring and Follow-Up: Individuals who have been exposed to barium hydroxide should be closely monitored for any potential complications, such as respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, or kidney damage. Follow-up care may include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies to assess the extent of damage caused by the chemical.

What Are the Precautions to Prevent Barium Hydroxide Toxicity?

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, and respirators to prevent skin and eye contact and inhalation of dust or fumes.

• Ensure adequate ventilation in areas where barium hydroxide is being used or stored. Use exhaust systems or other ventilation equipment to minimize exposure to dust and fumes.

• Store barium hydroxide in a secure, dry location away from incompatible materials such as acids and flammable materials.

• Follow safe handling practices when working with barium hydroxide. Avoid skin and eye contact and inhalation of dust or fumes.

• Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where barium hydroxide is being used or stored.

Conclusion:

Barium hydroxide is a potentially toxic compound, and even small amounts can cause severe health effects if not handled carefully. Take proper precautions to prevent exposure to barium hydroxide, including wearing personal protective equipment, proper ventilation, and safe handling. In case of accidental exposure, seek medical attention immediately to minimize the harmful health issues.