Bariumcontaining

Barium-containing describes any chemical compound, material, or formulation that includes the element barium (Ba). Barium is the heaviest alkaline earth metal and tends to form ionic compounds in which Ba2+ is balanced by various anions. The term encompasses insoluble materials such as barium sulfate (BaSO4) and barium carbonate (BaCO3), as well as more soluble salts such as barium chloride (BaCl2) and barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2). Barite, the mineral form of BaSO4, is a common naturally occurring barium-containing substance.

Solubility and toxicity are key properties for barium-containing compounds. Insoluble BaSO4 is largely non-toxic and passes through the gastrointestinal tract, while many soluble barium salts are toxic and can affect muscular and nervous function if ingested or inhaled in sufficient quantities. Handling and disposal follow applicable safety regulations.

Applications are diverse. In medicine, BaSO4 is used as a radiographic contrast agent to visualize the gastrointestinal tract. In the oil and gas industry, barite is used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids to increase density. In electronics and ceramics, barium compounds such as barium titanate are used in capacitors and piezoelectric devices. Barium compounds are also used in glassmaking, ceramics, luminescent materials, and, in fireworks, to produce green colors.

Environmental and regulatory aspects include the natural occurrence of barium in rocks and minerals, the need to manage soluble Ba compounds as hazardous waste, and restrictions on release to water systems. The term barium-containing therefore covers a broad range of materials with varying properties and safety profiles.