Barium

Barium: a dangerous element with unexpected uses

Barium is a chemical element of the periodic table that can be used in various fields, but at the same time poses a serious threat to human health. In this article we will look at the basic properties of barium, its toxicity, symptoms of poisoning and treatment methods.

Barium is an alkali metal and has atomic number 56. It is highly reactive and can form various compounds with other elements. Barium has a bright green flame and is used in fireworks and pyrotechnics to create the color green.

However, the most widely used type of barium is barium sulfate, which is non-toxic and is used in medicine. Barium sulfate is used in radiology to create images of the stomach and intestines during x-ray studies.

On the other hand, soluble barium salts such as barium chloride and barium nitrate are extremely toxic. They can cause serious poisoning that can lead to death.

Symptoms of barium poisoning include a burning sensation in the mouth and esophagus, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, profuse diarrhea, dizziness, profuse sweating, pale skin, abnormal heart rhythms, hypertension, shortness of breath and cyanosis. 2-3 hours after poisoning, muscle weakness increases, especially in the muscles of the upper limbs and neck. Hemolysis, weakened vision and hearing, clonic-tonic convulsions are possible with preserved consciousness.

The lethal dose of barium is about 1 gram, so if you suspect barium poisoning, you should immediately seek medical help. Treatment should include gastric lavage through a tube with a 1% solution of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate to form insoluble barium sulfate, orally 30 g of magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate, forced diuresis, hemodialysis, and the use of cardiovascular drugs.

In addition to early medical intervention, to prevent barium poisoning, you must be careful when using products containing barium and when working with chemicals containing the element. Make sure you take all precautions and use the appropriate protective equipment to protect yourself from barium toxicity.

In conclusion, barium has various uses, but it is a dangerous element that can cause serious consequences if poisoned. Insoluble barium sulfate is safe and widely used in medicine, but soluble barium salts should be used with caution. If you suspect barium poisoning, you should immediately seek medical help and receive appropriate treatment. Handling foods and chemicals containing barium carefully can help prevent poisoning and keep you healthy.

Ba is a reactive, gray solid, not poisonous, but highly astringent; an imperceptible amount when swallowed enters the stomach, leading to rapid weight loss and fainting. In high doses (up to lethal) it has increased biological activity. Upon entering the body, it is actively absorbed by tissues. A barium enema produces more feces than water. Included in some food products for medical purposes. For solutions, concentrations of 0.2% and 5% are used.

***Application***

* Prescribed orally to an adult in a dose of 1-2 g of barium sulfate 8-water per day, or 1 tablespoon (15 g) per dose every 2 hours “until the result”, which is determined by x-ray examination. * Patients with barium intolerance are prescribed only intravenously. * Children under 3 years of age are prescribed 2 ml of barium hydroxide per kg of body weight per day. A dose of 6-8 ml can be given to the child at once or in parts throughout the day. The amount of liquid for each injection in adult children can be determined empirically, by stool, ionograms, pH of urine, skin, feces, and the effect on isotonic electrolyte solutions. However, it is worth knowing that the level of barium in the body increases very slowly. This must be taken into account in the case of even relatively long-term (several weeks) use of the drug. * For most adults, no more than 24 ml of powder suspension is needed per day; in 1 hour (after the second bowel movement) you can drink more than 1 g of powder. How much of the substance you need depends on your personal characteristics. Typically, patients can consume up to 40 g in no more than three days of use, although for completely healthy adults the daily limit usually reaches 8