Barium Hydroxide Essay, Research Paper

Trent E. Brown

Chemistry 102

October 23, 2000

Barium Hydroxide

Barium is a silvery-white metal that occurs in nature in many different forms called compounds. These compounds are solids and do not burn well. Barium is found in underground deposits and is mined for processing. Barium and Barium compounds are used for many important purposes. Barium Sulfate is mined and used in industries. One use is in the oil and gas industry. It is used to make drilling muds, which make it easier to drill through rock by lubricating the drill bit. Others include paints, bricks, tiles, rubber, and x-ray photographs.

Barium Hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) is a white, toxic alkali formed by the reaction of barium monoxide with water, or by the action of sodium hydroxide on soluble barium salts. Barium Hydroxide is used in ceramics, insect and rat poisons, additives for oils and fuels, as a non-aqueous deacidification of paper, stabilizers for plastics, sealing compounds, vulcanization accelerators, pigment dispersants, self-extinguishing polyurethane foams, limestone protectants, and many other useful products.

Health Effects

Barium Hydroxide dissolves in water and can cause adverse health effects. Eating or drinking large amounts may cause paralysis or even death. Those that consume smaller amounts may potentially have difficulties in breathing, changes in heart rhythm, increased blood pressure, stomach irritation, muscle weakness, changes in nerve reflexes, swelling of the brain, and damage to the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen.

Exposure

Barium waste may be released into the air, land, and water during industrial operations. Barium may also be released into the environment during its mining and processing. It is found in more than 150 waste sites in the United States. People with the greatest known risk of high exposure are those working in industries which make or use Barium compounds. Most of these exposed persons breathe air that contains the compounds. However, Barium compounds from waste sites can also pollute the air, land, and water supply for those living in the same area. These people are at risk for breathing, drinking, exposure from dust, and from direct contact of Barium .