Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER:

THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON ITS
COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S SUITABILITY
FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN
THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES
ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR
RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

BARIUM SULFATE

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING
HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OTHER CODES
OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

Metal

EPA Class

None

DOT Proper Shipping Name

Not Applicable

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Barium Compounds, N.O.S.

7727-43-7

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

No Citation

55

DOT Identification Number

Atomic Symbol

UN 1564

BaSO4

Synonyms

Barium sulphate; barytes (natural); blanc fixe (artificial, precipitated); basofor; artificial barite.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Barium sulfate (derivation: By treating a solution of barium salt with sodium

sulfate; by-product in manufacture of hydrogen peroxide; occurs in nature as the mineral
barite, which is found in Arkansas, Missouri,
Georgia, Nevada, Canada, and Mexico).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

PEL (8-hour):
15 mg/m3
(total dust)
5 mg/m3
(respirable)

REL (10-hour):
10 mg/m3
(total dust)
5 mg/m3
(respirable)

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

Immediately Dangerous to Life

and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
10 mg/m3
Not
Determined
STEL:
Not
Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

2912F (1600C) Decomposes

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

4.25-4.5

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Molecular Weight (atomic weight)

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

Melting Point

0 (approx.) at 68F (20C)

233.4
2876F (1580C)

Not Found
Solubility

Practically insoluble in water (0.0002% at 64F). Soluble in hot, concentrated sulfuric acid.
Appearance and Odor

White or yellow-tinted powder that is odorless and tasteless.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

Not Found
NFPA Classification

LEL: N/A

UEL: N/A

Autoignition Temperature

Non-Combustible Solid

Not Found

Extinguishing Media

Use agent suitable to surrounding fire. Barium sulfate by itself will not burn.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Poisonous gases are produced in fire, including bromide. Remain clear of smoke and fumes. Use water mist from unmanned device to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Keep cooling containers after fire is extinguished.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

No specific explosion hazards noted. However, heating with aluminum can produce an explosion. Move
fire-exposed containers from fire if it can be done without risk.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Very stable at room temperature and pressure under normal conditions of handling and storage. Avoid contact with incompatible materials and do not create dusty conditions.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Incompatible with aluminum and potassium. When heated with aluminum, it can produce an extremely violent explosion.

Conditions to Avoid

Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Hazardous polymerization of barium sulfate will not occur.

Will Not Occur

Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

Poisonous gases, including oxides of sulfur and barium fumes, are emitted during fire.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin/eye)?

Ingestion?

Health Hazards

INHALATION: The insolubility of barium sulfate in water makes for low-level toxicity. It does not exhibit
the systemic toxicity noted for other barium salts. However, any soluble impurities can
lead to toxic effects. Breathing fine dusts may irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory
tract leading to a benign form of pneumoconiosis (baritosis).
EYES & SKIN: Exposure to the eyes may cause moderate to severe irritation and even burns.
INGESTION:

No specific effects noted.

Carcinogenicity

NTP Listed?

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

No

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

No

29 CFR 1910.1000
Table Z-1

Respiratory system, eyes,

skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

None reported.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Do not allow victim to keep eyes tightly shut. Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes
(minimum), seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
area with flooding amounts of soap and water. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed, seek medical attention
immediately. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Collect powdered materials in most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Dry
sweep not recommended. Use HEPA vacuum. Remove all ignition sources. Restrict those not involved
in cleanup from entering area. Notify appropriate authorities, as required by applicable regulations.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

No citation.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store to avoid contact with aluminum or potassium. Store powders in sealed containers in cool, dry, wellventilated area. Protect containers from physical damage.
Other Precautions and Warnings

Avoid actions or practices that may create dusty conditions, such as moving opened containers or
sweeping up storage areas.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

For dust exposures below PEL, use a respirator with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, otherwise use a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus or a supplied-air respirator with
full facepiece operated in positive pressure or some other continuous flow mode.
Ventilation

Local exhaust (preferred) at site of chemical work or general ventilation.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Rubber

Eye Protection

Chemical/Dust Goggles or Face Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Protective Apron, Boots

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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BARIUM SULFATE
BaSO4

CAS: 7727-43-7

0
1

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Barium sulfate is a white or yellowish, odorless powder. It is used in the manufacture of photographic papers, artificial ivory, cellophane, paper coatings, and
paints. It is also used as a filler and delustrant for textiles, rubber, plastic, linoleum, oil cloth, paper, lithograph inks, polymeric fibers, and resins. It is a base for
lake colors; it is used in X-ray photography, it is an
opaque medium for gastrointestinal radiography; and is
used in battery plate expanders.

is required to ensure proper risk management of barium

sulfate exposure.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may
occur immediately or shortly after exposure (within
hours or within days) to barium sulfate:
Skin:

May cause moderate irritation on contact.

Eye:

Severe irritation and possible damage.

Lung: Dust exposures may cause no effect or irritation of the lungs with cough and phlegm.

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Barium sulfate is unlike most other barium salts in that
its low water solubility makes for low-level toxicity
under most conditions of exposure. However, commercial grades may contain insoluble impurities that can be
quite toxic. Primary exposure routes are inhalation
and, to a lesser degree, ingestion. While there is no
evidence in the references of its carcinogenic potential,
the data are inconclusive and conflicting in this regard.
Inhalation can cause irritation of the nose, throat,
and respiratory system. High exposures may lead to a
benign form of pneumoconiosis known as baritosis.
Ingestion of barium salts can cause severe hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). However, ingesting barium sulfate is not thought to cause this effect. More
research is required based upon the amount of conflicting and inconclusive data presented in the references. Ingesting other barium salts or powders produces initial symptoms related to gastrointestinal reaction. These include nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhea,
followed by myocardial and general muscular stimulation with tingling in the extremities. Severe cases continue to loss of tendon reflexes, general muscular paralysis, and death from respiratory arrest or ventricular
fibrillation. Before dismissing these potential health
risks as unrelated to barium sulfate, additional research

Other: Industrial grade barium compounds may be

contaminated with impurities (such as silica)
which can produce toxic effects. Exposure can
lead to lung scarring and reduce lung function.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to barium and can
last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to the references, barium
has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in
animals. The data are conflicting and inconclusive with
regard to its specific ability to cause cancer in test animals. Some tumorigenic data have been reported.
Reproductive Hazard: According to the references,
barium has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction.
Other Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can cause
abnormal chest X-ray with the appearance of small
nodules despite otherwise normal respiratory function.
This usually takes years to develop. An abnormal chest
X-ray from barium exposure does not necessarily mean
the lung has been damaged but future exposures to irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not currently known whether barium causes lung damage.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with barium sulfate dusts or powders. The specific toxicity of barium
sulfate is poorly understood as compared to other barium compounds. However, as a barium salt, caution is
suggested whenever working with or around barium
sulfate. If a less toxic material or compound can not be
substituted for barium sulfate, then engineering controls are the most effective method of reducing exposures. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of
barium dust release. While not always operationally
feasible, isolating operations can also reduce exposure.
Using respiratory protection is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is still advisable whenever working with or around barium sulfate. A supplied-air respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece and operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode is recommended for the greatest possible respiratory protection.
However, for low or infrequent exposure, a
MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with
a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can be
used. If a full facepiece is not available, then chemical/dust goggles should be worn to protect the eyes. A
face shield and protective apron should also be worn.
To prevent hand and skin exposures, gloves should be
worn.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced
whenever personnel are to work with barium sulfate.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where barium sulfate is used or stored.
Before beginning employment working with barium
sulfate, and at regular intervals thereafter (e.g., annually), those personnel with frequent or potentially high
exposures should be provided the following recommended medical tests:

;
;
;

Lung function test.

Consider chest X-ray, especially if chronic exposure is alleged or suspected.
Serum bromide level.

Any evaluation should include a careful history of past

and present symptoms with an examination. Medical

Page: 4

tests that simply look for existing damage are not a

substitute for controlling exposures.
Also, since
smoking can cause heart disease as well as lung cancer,
emphysema, and other known respiratory problems,
exposure to barium may cause additional complications. Therefore, personnel who smoke should avoid
any unprotected contact with barium powders.
Other methods to reduce exposure include:

;
;
;
;

;
;

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, respiratory protection should be mandatory.
Always ensure that proper protective clothing is
worn when using chemical substances.
Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to
barium sulfate and at the end of the work shift or
before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Hazard warning information should be posted in
the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information on
the health and safety hazards of barium sulfate
should be communicated to all potentially exposed
workers.
Eye wash stations should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. If there is a
possibility of skin exposure to barium sulfate,
emergency shower facilities should also be provided.
Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by
barium sulfate should change into clean clothes
before leaving work. Contaminated work clothing
should be laundered only by individuals who have
been informed of the hazards of exposure to barium sulfate.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of barium
compounds. In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental exposure is contingent upon the proper
handling of the chemical substance. Accidental spills,
large or small, where barium sulfate contacts incompatible commodities can result in fire, explosion
(depending upon conditions of spill), and possible contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums
(water, soil, and air).

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

In its powdered form, barium sulfate is considered

a non-combustible solid. However, it can react explosively and present a serious fire hazard. Because it is
incompatible with many commodities, including other
metals (such as aluminum and potassium), extreme
caution is required in handling, storage, transportation,
and disposal of barium sulfate. These characteristics
also require special consideration during any emergency
situation involving a leak or spill of barium sulfate
powder or dust. Should barium sulfate ever come into
contact with incompatible substances either during use,
transportation, storage, or disposal, violent and even
explosive reactions are possible.
Barium sulfate can enter the environment from industrial and municipal waste treatment plant discharges
and from spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death
of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to barium. Barium and its
salts have moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate the short-term
effects of barium or its salts to plants, birds, or land
animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortened
life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and
changes in appearance or behavior in exposed animals.
These effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to
toxic chemicals. Barium and its salts have moderate
chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are
available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of
barium to plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Most of the barium salts are either highly or moderately
soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 to 1000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

Barium is highly persistent in water, with a half-life
greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is
the amount of time it takes for one half of the chemical
to be degraded. No data are available on the estimated
percentages of barium persistence in the aquatic or terrestrial environments.

Page: 5

O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated
in the tissues and internal organs of animals as well as
humans.
The concentration of barium found in fish tissues is
expected to be about the same as the average concentration in the water from which the fish was taken.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or spill
of barium sulfate dusts or powders into the environment. The correct use of DOT labeling (per the
MSDS) on all containers, trucks, and rail cars will enable emergency responders to react properly and
quickly to any disaster thereby reducing the potential
risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of barium sulfate should be segregated
from incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of
cross-contamination or contact. Containers should be
protected from physical damage.
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and
replaced with clean soil. If barium sulfate should contact the water table, aquifer, or navigable waterway,
time is of the essence. It is nearly insoluble and total
remediation may be possible. The local and/or state
emergency response authorities must be notified. A
comprehensive emergency response or disaster preparedness/recovery plan should be in place prior to any
operations involving the use, transportation, storage, or
disposal of barium sulfate.
If barium sulfate powder is spilled or leaked, the
following specific steps are recommended:

;
;
;

Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing

from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete
and area can be opened for normal work.
Remove all ignition sources, ventilate area.
Collect powdered materials in the safest manner
possible and deposit in sealed containers. Recommend using vacuum with HEPA filter. Do not
dry sweep (generates airborne dusts).

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 6

It may be necessary to dispose of barium sulfate

as a hazardous waste. The responsible state
agency or the regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be
contacted for specific recommendations.

Gardner, R. W. 1994. Chemical Intolerance. New York: CRC Press/Lewis

Publishers.
Howard, P. H. 1995. Handbook of Environmental Fate and Exposures
Data for Organic Chemicals, Vol. I-IV. New York: CRC
Press/Lewis Publishers.
Keith, L. H. and M. M. Walker. 1995. Handbook of Air Toxics. New York:
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Landis, W. G., M. H. Yu. 1995. Introduction to Environmental Toxicology. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving barium sulfate can present a significant threat to business operations. The
loss or damage of equipment or facilities can significantly affect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result
from personnel injury/death, public exposures, and/or
environmental contamination will also require a serious
expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding
an injury, death, or environmental damage can also result in a loss of profits and loss of current as well as
future business.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in the
development of any procedures for responding to
chemical incidents. A company official should be predesignated as a public relations officer with specific
training in dealing with the press. Corporate plans and
policies should be developed, approved, and implemented long before any need for such arises.

Lauwerys, R. R., P. Hoet. 1993. Industrial Chemical Exposure. New

York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th
Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials,
Volumes 1, 2, and 3, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Manahan, S. E. 1994. Environmental Chemistry, 6th Edition. New York:
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Meyer, E. 1990. Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice Hall.
Mycock, J. C., J. D. McKenna, and L. Theodore. 1995. Handbook of Air
Pollution Control Engineering and Technology. New York: CRC
Press/Lewis Publishers.
Patnaik, P. 1992. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of
Chemical Substances. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Proctor, N. H., J. P. Hughes. 1991. Chemical Hazards of the Workplace.
New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Quigley, D. R. 1994. Handbook of Emergency Chemical Management.
New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Rea, W. J. 1995. Chemical Sensitivity, Vol. I-III. New York: CRC
Press/Lewis Publishers.

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1996 by CRC Press, Inc.