BARIUM NITRATE (Ba(NO₃)₂)

SYNONYMS
None known.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless lustrous crystals.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen. There is a risk of fire or explosion if mixed with combustible or reducing substances.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a strong oxidising agent. It is an irritant to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract and very toxic causing heart disorders, kidney damage and paralysis. Death may occur. Acute exposure to the eyes and skin causes redness and pain. Inhalation causes sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, faintness and possible permanent lung damage. Ingestion causes abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling, faintness, or paralysis of arms and legs. This is not a combustible substance but it does enhance the combustion of other substances.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from combustible material.
Keep away from reducing substances.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood that will keep the level of exposure below the recommended threshold limit, i.e. 0.5 mg/m³. If the level of exposure is expected to exceed this threshold a respirator is recommended.
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 persists 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 advice.
Ingestion ­ rinse the mouth thoroughly with water and give plenty of water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat.
Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible substances.
DISPOSAL
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.
If the waste is of a very small volume:
Solid - collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution - cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
ENVIRONMENT.

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