Barium hydroxide

4.495

Heat of fusion: 265 kJ/kg; heat-storage density: 657 MJ/cu m /Barium hydroxide octahydrate/

4.495 @25 °C

4.91 g/100 g water at 25 °C

Insoluble in acetone

Water solubility in wt %: 1.65%, 0 °C; 3.74%, 20 °C; 7.60%, 40 °C; 17.32%, 60 °C; 50.35%, 80 °C

408 °C

408 °C

Vapor pressure: 0.48 kPa at 17.6 °C; 1.32 kPa at 32.1 °C; 2.36 kPa at 40.7 °C; 5.08 kPa at 50.7 °C; 8.01 kPa at 57.8 °C; 12.56 kPa at 64.8 °C /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate/

0 mm Hg

Large Crystals; Dry Powder

White solid; [HSDB] Fine white crystals; Soluble in water; [MSDSonline]

Sol in ether; MP: 78 °C, losing its water of crystallization /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate/

Colorless monoclinic crystals; density: 2.18 g/cu cm; solubility: 4.91 g/100 g water at 25 °C /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate/

White powder; density: 3.743 g/cu cm; solubility: 4.91 g/100 g in water at 25 °C; sol in acids /Barium hydroxide, monohydrate/

Translucent free-flowing white flakes; approx 65 lb/cu ft /Barium hydroxide, pentahydrate/

Corrosive to metals ... . /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

Transparent crystals or white masses; MP: 78 °C; rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide from air, becoming incompletely soluble in water; freely sol in water, methanol; slightly sol in ethanol; practically insol in acetone. /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate/

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1.1% (7 of 662) of reports.

Danger

H290 (18.9%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]

P234, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P363, P390, P405, P406, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 662 reports by companies from 19 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Danger

Chemical: Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2)

Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 08-05-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14609

Barium hydroxide: HSNO Approval: HSR007245 Approved with controls

Aqueous solutions may cause severe burns to eyes and skin irritation; [HSDB] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; [MSDSonline] See Barium.

European Commission, ESIS; IUCLID Dataset, Barium hydroxide (17194-00-2) 2000 CD-ROM edition) contains information on use, toxicology, and environmental effects of this chemical as supplied to the European Union by industry.[Available from, as of August 9, 2010: http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/]

U.S. Dept Health & Human Services/Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry; Toxicological Profile for Barium and Barium Compounds (August 2007) Toxicological Profile 24. The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for a hazardous substance.[Available from, as of July 23, 2010: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp]

D005; A solid waste containing barium may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Barium/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Barium compound, NOS/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. /Barium compound, NOS/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Barium compound, NOS/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Barium compound, NOS/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Barium hydroxide (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

D005; A waste containing barium may or may not be characterized as a hazardous waste following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. /Barium/

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). /Barium/

Met. Corr. 1 (18.9%)

Acute toxicity (Oral) - Category 4

Acute toxicity (Oral) - Category 4

(AZ) ARIZONA 1,500 ug/L /Barium/

(MN) MINNESOTA 2000 ug/L /Barium/

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

Keep tightly closed. /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate/

Store in airtight containers. /Barium hydroxide lime/

Environmental considerations - land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Neutralize with vinegar or other dilute acid. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder. /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

Environmental considerations - water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Neutralize with dilute acid. /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

The sulfate may be brushed up and treated as normal refuse. Soluble barium salts should be scooped up and treated as for waste disposal. Wash the spill area thoroughly with water. /Soluble barium salts/

If soluble barium compounds are spilled, the following steps should be taken: 1. Ventilate area of spill. 2. Collect spilled material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers for reclamation or for disposal in a secured sanitary landfill. Liquid containing soluble barium compounds should be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material. /Soluble barium compounds (as barium)/

The European Community guidelines regard sol barium salts as moderately dangerous for water quality (LD50 5-50 mg/kg) and their removal may be accomplished by diluted sulfuric acid and subsequent neutralization. /Sol barium salts/

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D005, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

... Ion exchange, lime softening and reverse osmosis are effective to remove barium from drinking water. Conventional coagulation/filtration processes are not effective to remove barium from drinking water. /Barium ion/

Package lots. Place in a separate labeled container for recycling or disposal. Small quantities. Wear nitrile rubber gloves, laboratory coat, and eye protection. Avoid breathing dust. Dissolve the barium salt in the minimum volume of water. For each gram of barium salt, add 15 mL of 10% sodium sulfate solution. Let stand for 1 week. Test for completeness of precipitation by adding a few drops of 10% sodium sulfate solution. If required, add more sodium sulfate solution until no further precipitation occurs. Decant supernatant liquid or filter solid. Treat solid as normal refuse. Wash liquid into drain. /Barium salt/

If material not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors or dusts. Avoid bodily contact with the material ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

If employees' clothing has had any possibility of being contaminated with barium carbonate, barium chloride, barium nitrate ... or liq containing these cmpd, employees should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. ... Clothing contaminated with barium carbonate, barium chloride, barium nitrate ... should be placed in closed containers for storage until it can be discarded or until provision is made for the removal of contaminant from the clothing. If the clothing is to be laundered or otherwise cleaned to remove the contaminant, the person performing the operation should be informed of contaminant's hazardous properties. ... Non-impervious clothing which becomes contaminated with barium carbonate, barium chloride, barium nitrate ... should be removed promptly and not reworn until the contaminant is removed from the clothing. /Soluble barium cmpd/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Barium hydroxide (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

5.0 [mg/m3]

11 [mg/m3]

66 [mg/m3]

Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles. /Barium hydroxide monohydrate/

Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact with barium carbonate, barium chloride, barium nitrate, or liq containing these cmpd. ... Employees should be provided with and required to use dust and splash proof safety goggles where barium carbonate, barium chloride, barium nitrate, or liq containing these cmpd may contact the eyes. /Barium compounds/

/NIOSH approved respirators,/ or goggles may be needed where amounts of significant soluble or alkaline forms are encountered, as well as protective clothing. /Soluble or alkaline barium compounds/

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Soluble barium compounds (as Ba) except barium sulfate/

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for Barium hydroxide (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Barium byproduct materials under NRC export/import licensing authority: Barium-131, Barium-133, Barium-140: Any accelerator-produced, extracted, or converted for use for a commercial, medical, or research activity.

Table: Quantities of Licensed Material Requiring Labeling [Table#3315]

For combinations of radioactive materials, consideration of the need for an emergency plan is required if the sum of the ratios of the quantity of each radioactive material authorized to the quantity listed for that material in Schedule C exceeds one.

The health effects of the different barium compounds depend on how well the compound dissolves in water or the stomach contents. At low doses, barium acts as a muscle stimulant, while higher doses affect the nervous system, causing cardiac irregularities, tremors, weakness, anxiety, dyspnea, paralysisand possibly death. Barium may also cause gastrointestinal disturbances, damage the kidneys and cause decreases in body weight. (L214)

Barium is a competitive potassium channel antagonist that blocks the passive efflux of intracellular potassium, resulting in a shift of potassium from extracellular to intracellular compartments. The intracellular translocation of potassium results in a decreased resting membrane potential, making the muscle fibers electrically unexcitable and causing paralysis. Some of these barium's effects may also be due to barium induced neuromuscular blockade and membrane depolarization. (L214)

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ No specific data are available on the acute and chronic toxicity of barium hydroxide to aquatic biota and terrestrial organisms. Since a 1% solution of anhydrous barium hydroxide yields a pH of 13.11 (100 mg barium hydroxide per liter ISO water has a pH of 10.6), this pH may prove lethal to most aquatic and soil dwelling organisms in an acute condition and on a local scale. Since in natural surface water and in pore water OH- ions will be diluted and eventually transform to water, poorly soluble metal complexes and hydroxo complexes and since barium ions will precipitate to non-soluble sulfate and carbonate salts, the chronic toxicity to aquatic and soil dwelling organisms may be of limited importance.

Ingesting excess barium may cause vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, difficulties in breathing, increased or decreased blood pressure, numbness around the face, and muscle weakness. High levels may result in changes in heart rhythm or paralysis and possibly death. (L214)

The acute inhalation toxicity of barium monohydrate (CAS # 17194-00-2) was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats (10/sex/group) administered whole-body exposure by inhalation to analytical concentrations of 0, 0.53, 3.47, 5.70, and 7.10 mg/l of an aerosol dust (EAD 5.5u) for one hour. During exposure all animals exhibited transient hypoactivity and escape behavior for approximately 10 minutes and persisting conjunctivitis. Exposures above 0.53 mg/l were also associated with rubbing of eyes and snout with fore-limbs, bloody exudate from eyes and nose, inflammation of fore-limbs and snout, severe chemical burns of fore-limbs and snout, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Diarrhea persisted for an additional 3 days, as dyspnea did throughout 14-day post-exposure observation. During recovery, these groups also exhibited persisting lethargy; alopecia; necrosis of fore-limbs, snout, and ears; ataxia from loss of hind-limb muscular coordination; ocular corrosion and opacity; self-mutilation; and death. Weight gain was diminished during post-exposure Week 1 in males of all exposure levels, and in surviving females after exposures exceeding 3.47 mg/l. Mortality between groups, sexes and over time was erratic. Study authors attributed this to the variable interplay between dose, corrosivity, and oral exposures by preening, and identified the corrosive nature of the compound as the apparent cause of death. An LC50 was 10.5 mg/l, based on male mortality (the more dose-related), a method of Litchfield and Wilcoxon, and 48-hour observation; based on 14-day observation, the male LC50 was 2.7 mg/l. Gross necropsy revealed dose-related incidence of enlarged spleens, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, testicular atrophy, and ocular opacity or corrosion; no exposure-related abnormalities of the lungs were identified.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Aqueous solutions of barium hydroxide and barium oxide are strongly alkaline and can cause severe burns to the eye and skin irritation.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ The Ba2+ ion and the soluble compounds of barium (notably chloride, nitrate, hydroxide) are toxic to humans.

The production and use of various barium compounds in pyrotechnique devices, ceramics, paints, enamels, optical glasses and as a getter to remove traces of gas from vacuum and television tubes(1,2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Particulate emissions from the industrial production of barium compounds include an estimated 820 metric tons per year from uncontrolled kilns during the processing of barite ore and 8 metric tons per year from black ash rotary kilns during the production of barium hydroxide(3).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ This substance is corrosive. ... In rat, rabbit highly irritating. Applied dose was not mentioned. Rats and rabbits showed thick crusts on site of application and hairless patches. Cutaneous reaction in guinea pigs was less pronounced.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Eye irritation. Rabbit. Highly irritating. ... Rabbits showed "marked" irritation to the ocular mucosae.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Chickens were found to tolerate 1 g Ba2+/kg in their diet; 2 g/kg caused slight depression of growth but no increase in mortality; 8 g/kg was the approximate LD50 in 4 weeks; 16 g/kg killed chickens in 7 days and 32 g/kg in 5 days. The results were similar with barium hydroxide and acetate.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ /It was/ found that one week old chickens (male and female) could tolerate barium concentrations (hydroxide or acetate salt) up to 1,000 ppm in their diets for three weeks without apparent ill effects. Assuming that 1 ppm barium in food equals 0.125 mg barium/day for 21 days, the estimated total barium dosage was 2,625 mg/kg. A slight depression of growth was seen at 2,000 ppm (5,250 mg/kg total) and 4,000 ppm (10,500 mg/kg total), but no increase in mortality was apparent. More than half of the chickens receiving 8,000 ppm (21,000 mg/kg total) barium during the feeding period died. All chickens receiving 16,000 ppm and 32,000 ppm barium died after an average of seven days (14,000 mg/g total) and five days (20,000 mg/kg total), respectively.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Barium hydroxide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

D005; A solid waste containing barium may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Barium/

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). /Barium/

(AZ) ARIZONA 1,500 ug/L /Barium/

(MN) MINNESOTA 2000 ug/L /Barium/

Maximum Contaminant Level: 2 mg/L /Barium/

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: 2 mg/L /Barium/

EPA 2000 ug/L /Barium/

After ingestion, barium hydroxide reacts with the HCl in the stomach to form water and the very soluble barium chloride; therefore the toxic effects of ingested barium hydroxide may be considered to be similar to those observed with barium chloride. Due to the neutralizing effect of the HCl in the stomach, no significant effects are expected from the alkalinity of Ba(OH)2.

Barium compounds are absorbed via ingestion and inhalation, the extent of which depends on the individual compound. In the body, the majority of the barium is found in the bone, while small amounts exists in the muscle, adipose, skin, and connective tissue. Barium is not metabolized in the body, but it may be transported or incorporated into complexes or tissues. Barium is excreted in the urine and faeces. (L214)

Used as a vulcanizing agent (synthetic rubber), corrosion inhibitor, drilling fluid additive, boiler scale remedy; motor oil additive, plastics stabilizer, pigment dispersant, and papermaking additive; Also used to refine animal and vegetable oils, to soften water; to protect limestone objects from deterioration, and to manufacture alkali and glass; [HSDB]

Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]

In manufacture of alkali, glass; in synthetic rubber vulcanization, in sugar industry, corrosion inhibitors, pesticides; boiler scale remedy; refining animal and vegetable oils; in softening water; as a catalyst in organic synthesis /Octahydrate/

Manufacturing of oil and grease additives, barium soaps, and chemicals. Refining of beet sugar; alkalizing agent in water softening; sulfate removal agent in treatment of water and brine; boiler scale removal; dehairing agent; catalyst in manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde resins; insecticide and fungicide; sulfate controlling agent in ceramics; purifying agent for caustic soda; steel carbonizing agent; glass; refining edible oils; elastomer vulcanization. /Barium hydroxide, monohydrate/

Organic preparations; barium salts; analytical chemistry. /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate and pentahydrate/

Agent to precipitate sugar from molasses; very small amounts as a chemical intermediate for other inorganic chemicals.

(1972) 9.07X10+7 G

(1975) 2.37X10+9 G

(1986) 9,850,416 lb

2023: 550,000 - <700,000 lb

(1974) 5.44X10+9 G

(1972) 12,000 tons.

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#3317]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Barium hydroxide. Aggregated National Production Volume: 1 to < 10 million lbs.

/Barium hydroxide may be prepared/ (a) By dissolving barium oxide in water with subsequent crystallization, (b) By precipitation from an aqueous solution of the sulfide by caustic soda, (c) By heating barium sulfide in earthenware retorts into which a current of moist carbonic acid is passed, after which superheated steam is passed over the resulting heated carbonate. /Barium hydroxide octahydrate/

Grade: technical (crystals or anhydrous powder); chemically pure; ACS reagent. /Barium hydroxide, octahydrate/

Barium Hydroxide Lime is a mixture of barium hydroxide octahydrate & calcium hydroxide. It may contain ... potassium hydroxide. ... An indicator that is inert toward anesthetic gases such as ether, cyclopropane, & nitrous oxide, & that changes color when the barium hydroxide lime no longer can absorb carbon dioxide. /Octahydrate/

98% crystal grades

Plastics Product Manufacturing

Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2): ACTIVE

Barium hydroxide octahydrate is the most common form of the hydroxide, readily available commercially /Octahydrate/