Barium

CAS ID#: 7440-39-3

Affected Organ Systems: Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys)

Cancer Classification: Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Inorganic substances

Summary: 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.

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Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021

Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry