ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BARIUM CARBONATE (BaCO3)
SYNONYMS
Carbonic acid, barium salt.
CHARACTERISTICS
White powder, insoluble in water.
INCOMPATIBILITY
with strong oxidising agents and acids.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a very toxic substance causing lung and kidney damage,
heart disorders and nervous system disorders with possible
paralysis and death. It is a skin, eye and respiratory tract
irritant. Acute exposure to the skin and eyes causes redness and
pain. Inhalation causes sore throat, coughing, shortness of
breath and possible paralysis. Ingestion causes abdominal pain,
vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling, faintness, convulsions and
paralysis of arms and legs.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood, very toxic.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation persists seek medical advice. Wash contaminated
clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion rinse the mouth thoroughly with water then give
plenty of water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger
to the back of the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in a patient who
is not conscious.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from acids and oxidising
agents.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and a laboratory coat.
PACKAGE LOTS AND RECOVERED SPILLS: Dissolve the waste in 6M
hydrochloric acid and filter. Neutralise the filtrate with 6M
ammonium hydroxide (use litmus) then precipitate with excess
sodium carbonate. Filter, wash and dry the precipitate. Dispose
of by Waste Disposal Contractor. The sludge may be added to land
fill.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available.
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