TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR BARIUM AND COMPOUNDS ...

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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
Barbiturates have been shown to have an enhanced depressant effect on
the heart in barium-exposed animals (Kopp et al. 1985; Ferry et al. 1983,
1989). Individuals on this type of medication may experience an increased
risk of heart problems on exposure to barium.
Children may be at an increased risk since animal studies have demonstrated a
higher absorption rate among younger animals than older animals
(Taylor et al. 1962). However, a study of an epidemic of oral barium
poisoning in Poland indicated that children did not react as adversely as
adults even when they had ingested the same amount or more of barium (Lewi and
Bar-Khayim 1964; Ogen et al. 1967).
One study showed an increase in barium absorption in the presence of
lysine and lactose and could indicate an increased risk in individuals who
drink large quantities of milk (Lengemann 1959). These would include young
children and pregnant women.
People who smoke and those who have a history of lung disease may be at
an increased risk of exposure by inhalation. Studies show that inhalation of
dust from barium salts produces a mild, but lengthy, inflammatory response in
the lungs of rats (Huston et al. 1952). A benign pneumoconiosis has been
noted in cases of chronic, low-level exposure in humans (Doig 1976). Smoking
and lung diseases may increase the intensity of this response in affected
individuals.
Since barium toxicity has been repeatedly demonstrated to significantly
decrease serum potassium in both humans and animals (Foster et al. 1977; Gould
et al. 1973; Phelan et al. 1984; Roza and Berman 1971), individuals taking
diuretics may have a more severe hypokalemic reaction to barium toxicity.
2.6 MITIGATION OF EFFECTS
This section will describe clinical practice and research concerning
methods for reducing toxic effects of exposure to barium. However, because
some of the treatments discussed may be experimental and unproven, this
section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposures to barium.
When specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical
toxicologists should be consulted for medical advice.
General recommendations for reducing absorption of barium following
exposure have included removing the exposed individual from the contaminated
area and removing contaminated clothing, followed by washing with mild soap
and water. If the eyes and skin were exposed, they are flushed with water.
Lavage or emesis has also been suggested; however, high concentrations of
barium cause nausea and emesis should not be induced in cases where
substantial vomiting has already occurred (Haddad and Winchester 1990).
Furthermore, there is a risk of aspiration of vomitus during emesis.
Administration of soluble sulfates orally will also limit absorption of barium