What is Barium?
CAS#: 007440-39-3
Barium is a silvery-white metal which exists in nature only
in ores containing mixtures of elements. It combines with other
chemicals such as sulfur or carbon and oxygen to form barium
compounds.
Barium compounds are used by the oil and gas industries to
make drilling muds. Drilling muds make it easier to drill through
rock by keeping the drill bit lubricated. They are also used
to make paint, bricks, ceramics, glass, and rubber.
Barium sulfate is sometimes used by doctors to perform medical
tests and to take x-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.
Related Resources for Barium
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CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances
Provides an ongoing assessment of the exposure of the U.S. population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.
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Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs)
Intended to serve as a screening tool to help public health
professionals decide where to look more closely.
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National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Report provides an ongoing assessment of the exposure of
the U.S. population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.
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Public Health Statement
Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One
of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.
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ToxFAQ
Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions
about a contaminant and its health effects.
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ToxGuide [PDF, 75
KB]
Quick reference guide providing information such as chemical
and physical properties, sources of exposure, routes of
exposure, minimal risk levels, children's health, and health
effects for a substance.
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Toxicological Profile
Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health
effects information for a hazardous substance.
