The effects and risks of Barium hydroxide

Barium hydroxide is not sold as a consumer good or commodity. The substance is used in wastewater treatment, the production of PVC stabilizers, lubricants, and the production of other barium salts. It is a white odorless, crystalline powder, and the CAS NO is 17194-00-2. Barium hydroxide can be harmful to man. The substance is corrosive to skin, eye, and respiratory tract. The toxicity of barium hydroxide to the environment is low.

Here we are talking about the effects and risks of Barium hydroxide. First let me show you what effects Barium hydroxide may make on our body health and environment.

1. Health effects
After entering the body, barium hydroxide will dissociate into barium and hydroxyl ions. Barium is not metabolized in the body and is excreted primarily in feces and urine. The hydroxyl ions are rapidly neutralized in the stomach or bloodstream. Due to the hydroxide ions, barium hydroxide is corrosive to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Barium hydroxide is also harmful after single oral administration. Barium hydroxide does not cause skin allergy.

Data on health risks following repeated exposure to barium hydroxide are lacking but from the available data and the data on the closely related substance barium chloride, it is concluded that barium hydroxide could cause toxic effects in the kidneys after repeated oral exposure. Meanwhile, these available data also show that it is unlikely that barium hydroxide causes genetic effects or cancer.

2. Environmental fate and impact
When released in the environment, barium hydroxide will dissociate into barium and hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions will react and form water. The barium ions will react with naturally present sulfate to form barium sulfate. The insoluble barium sulfate will precipitate and deposit on the sediment. Barium hydroxide has a low potential for bioaccumulation and the acute and chronic toxicity towards aquatic organisms is low and therefore no environmental classification for the aquatic compartment is required for barium hydroxide.

Now, let me show you the risks.

1. Risk of human exposure
In view of the specific uses of barium hydroxide, exposure of humans to the substance is negligible: manufacturing and industrial use is performed in dedicated facilities by a trained workforce.

2. Risk of environmental exposure
Considering the manufacture and use in industrial applications, barium hydroxide may be released in the environment mainly via the waste water. In case of emission to surface water, most barium hydroxide will precipitate to soil or sediment due to the formation of the insoluble barium sulfate. Barium hydroxide has a low potential for bioaccumulation and has no effect on aquatic organisms. For this reason no adverse effect on the environment are expected.


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