Barium metal

National Standard Number	43009
CAS No	7440-39-3
Chinese name	Barium metal
English name	barium
Alias	barium
Molecular formula	Ba	Appearance and characterization	Lustrous silvery-white metal, yellow in nitrogen, slightly ductile
Molecular weight	137.33	Boiling point	1640℃
Melting point	725℃	Solubility	Insoluble in inorganic acids, insoluble in common solvents
Density	Relative density (water=1) 3.55	Stability	Unstable
Danger markers	10 (flammable items in contact with moisture)	Primary use	Used in the manufacture of barium salt, also used as degassing agent, ballast and degassing alloy

2. Impact on the environment.

i. health hazards

Route of invasion: inhalation, ingestion.
Health hazards: Barium metal is almost non-toxic. Soluble barium salts such as barium chloride, barium nitrate, etc. (barium carbonate meets gastric acid to form barium chloride, which can be absorbed through the digestive tract) can be seriously poisoned after ingestion, with symptoms of digestive tract irritation, progressive muscle paralysis, myocardial involvement, and low blood potassium. Respiratory muscle paralysis and myocardial damage can lead to death. Inhalation of soluble barium compound dust can cause acute barium poisoning, the performance is similar to oral poisoning, but the digestive tract reaction is lighter. Long-term exposure to barium compounds may cause salivation, weakness, shortness of breath, swelling and erosion of oral mucosa, rhinitis, tachycardia, increased blood pressure and hair loss. Long-term inhalation of insoluble barium compound dust, such as barium sulfate, can cause barium pneumoconiosis.

ii. toxicological information and environmental behavior

Hazardous characteristics: low chemical reactivity, can spontaneously combust in air when heated to molten state, but the dust can burn at room temperature. It can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to heat, flame or chemical reaction. In contact with water or acid, it reacts violently and releases hydrogen gas to cause combustion. In contact with fluorine, chlorine, etc., a violent chemical reaction will occur. When contacted with acid or dilute acid, it will cause combustion and explosion.
Combustion (decomposition) product: barium oxide.

3. On-site emergency monitoring methods.

　

4. Laboratory monitoring methods.

Potentiometric titration (GB/T14671-93, water quality)
Atomic absorption method (GB/T15506-95, water quality)
Atomic Absorption Method Manual for Experimental Analysis and Evaluation of Solid Wastes, Translated by China Environmental Monitoring General Station and others

5. Environmental standards.

The former Soviet Union	Maximum permissible concentrations of hazardous substances in workshop air	0.5mg/m3
China (GB/T114848-93)	Groundwater quality standard (mg/L)	Class I 0.01; Class II 0.1; Class III 1.0; Class IV 4.0; Class V above 4.0
China (to be enacted)	Maximum permissible concentrations of hazardous substances in drinking water sources	0.7mg/L

6. Emergency treatment and disposal methods.

i. emergency response to spills

Isolate leaking contaminated area and restrict access. Cut off the source of fire. Emergency personnel are advised to wear self-absorbing filtering dust masks and fire protective clothing. Do not come into direct contact with the spill. Small spills: Avoid raising dust and collect in dry, clean, covered containers with a clean shovel. Transfer for recycling. Large spills: Cover with plastic sheeting or canvas to minimize dispersion. Use non-sparking tools to transfer and recycle.

ii. protective measures

Respiratory protection: Generally no special protection is required, but it is recommended that a self-priming filtering dust mask be worn in special circumstances.
Eye protection: Wear chemical safety glasses.
Physical protection: Wear chemical protective clothing.
Hand protection: Wear rubber gloves.
Other:Smoking is strictly prohibited at the work site. Pay attention to personal hygiene.

iii. first aid measures

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water.
EYE CONTACT: Lift eyelids and flush with running water or saline. Seek medical attention.
INHALATION: Remove from scene quickly to fresh air. Keep airway open. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Drink plenty of warm water, induce vomiting, gastric lavage with 2%-5% sodium sulfate solution, and induce diarrhea. Seek medical attention.

Fire extinguishing methods: water, foam, carbon dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbons (such as 1211 extinguishing agent) and other fire extinguishing. Dry graphite powder or other dry powder (such as dry sand) must be used to extinguish the fire.