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Glossary
of Terms
Barium
Symbol: Ba
Atomic Number: 56
Barium is surprisingly
abundant in the Earth's crust, being
the 14th most abundant element. It
is also a toxic heavy metal. Accidental
or intentional ingestion of barium
may result in diarrhea, vomiting and
abdominal pain. Human exposure to
unsafe levels of barium in contaminated
drinking water can cause problems
in the heart, liver, stomach, kidneys
and other organs. As barium is in
the earth and soil, high amounts may
also be found in food such as nuts,
certain plants, seaweed, and fish.
Some pesticides
may contain absorbable barium salts
(hydroxide, chloride, or carbonate).
Barium can be ingested
in large amounts from aerosol exposure.
Barium also enters the air during
mining processes, refining processes
and during the production of barium
compounds. It can also enter the air
during coal and oil combustion. Inhalation
of barium may cause temporary lung
irritation. Barium can also affect
thyroid function and may be especially
toxic for people with thyroid disease,
especially hyperthyroidism.
Other common sources
of barium are: compounds used in medical
testing for X-ray evaluations; printing,
ceramics, plastics, textiles, and
dyes; in fuel additives; paper, soap,
and rubber; in the production of glass,
paints, and in pesticides.
As barium becomes
absorbed, it can displace potassium
inside the cell and cause various
degrees of effects in muscle tone
and function, heart function, and
the nervous system.
This term barium
comes from the Greek word barys meaning,
heavy.
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