TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR BARIUM AND COMPOUNDS ...

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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
Hematological Effects. Low serum potassium level was observed in a
22-year-old factory worker accidentally exposed by acute inhalation to barium
carbonate powder (Shankle and Keane 1988). Altered hematological parameters
were observed in rats following inhalation for an intermediate exposure period
to 3.6 mg barium/m 3 as barium carbonate dust (Tarasenko et al. 1977).
Reported changes included decreased blood hemoglobin, decreased thrombocyte
count, decreased blood glucose, decreased albumin, increased leukocyte count,
and increased blood phosphorus.
Musculoskeletal Effects. After accidental exposure to a large amount of
barium carbonate powder by acute inhalation, a 22-year-old factory worker
developed progressive muscle weakness and paralysis of the extremities and
neck (Shankle and Keane 1988). X-ray analysis of the bones and skeletal
muscles of the pelvis and thighs of workers chronically exposed to barium
carbonate dust revealed no apparent build up of barium in these tissues
(Essing et al. 1976). No studies were located regarding musculoskeletal
effects in animals after inhalation exposure to barium.
Hepatic Effects. No studies were located regarding hepatic effects in
humans after inhalation exposure to barium. Impaired detoxifying function of
the liver was noted in one study in which rats were treated by intermediate
inhalation exposure to 3.6 mg barium/m 3
as barium carbonate dust (Tarasenko et
al. 1977). No other details were reported.
Renal Effects. Renal failure occurred in a 22-year-old worker
accidentally exposed by acute inhalation to barium carbonate powder (Shankle
and Keane 1988). No studies were located regarding renal effects in animals
after inhalation exposure to barium.
Other Systemic Effects. No studies were located regarding other
systemic in humans after inhalation exposure to barium. Decreased body weight
and decreased urinary calcium developed in rats following inhalation for an
intermediate exposure period to 3.6 mg barium/m 3
as barium carbonate dust
(Tarasenko et al. 1977).
2.2.1.3 Immunological Effects
No studies were located regarding immunological effects in humans or
animals after inhalation exposure to barium.
2.2.1.4 Neurological Effects
Absence of deep tendon reflexes was observed in a 22-year-old man
accidentally exposed by acute inhalation to barium carbonate powder (Shankle
and Keane 1988). No studies were located regarding neurological effects in
animals after inhalation exposure to barium.