LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Barium: Barium Sulfate
built 642 days ago
Barium and barium compounds are used for many commercial processes. Barium sulfate is mined and used in oil and gas production, medical procedures, and the manufacture of paints, bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber. Other barium compounds are used in the manufacture of ceramics, pesticides, and oil and fuel additives. In addition, physicians often ask patients to swallow a barium compound solution as part of certain medical test procedures.
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Barium sulfate should not be administered in its dry form since accidental inhalation, esophageal irritation or blockage, or intestinal blockage may occur. The powder must be reconstituted, and some of the commercially prepared suspensions require further dilution, prior to administration. The manufacturer's literature should be consulted for specific techniques and procedures for reconstitution and administration of the different barium sulfate preparations. {02} {27}
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Barium sulfate oral suspension is taken by mouth (swallowed). Your health care professional will tell you how to prepare for your test. If you have not received instructions or if you do not understand them, check with your health care professional before the test. You will not be able to eat for a certain period of time before the barium test. For some tests, you may not be able to eat after your evening meal or after a certain time in the evening. You may be allowed to drink small amounts of clear liquids until midnight.
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Barium sulfate's high density ... plays an important role in oil exploration. It is added to "drilling mud," a slurry added to drill holes to control the pressure on underground oil and gas reserves. Barium sulfate helps reduce the risk of blow-out-an escape of oil and gas from the drill hole. Blow-outs can result in fire and explosion.
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Barium had first been identified as a new material in 1774 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele (1742-86). The form with which Scheele worked... was a compound of barium, barium sulfate (BaSO4). Barium sulfate is, in fact, the most common naturally occurring ore of barium. It is generally known as barite or barytes.
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Barium sulfate can be used in medicine only because it does not dissolve, and is eliminated completely from the digestive tract. Unlike other heavy metals, barium does not bioaccumulate.<ref>http://www.epa.gov/region5/superfund/ecology/html/toxprofiles.htm#ba</ref> However, inhaled barium dust can accumulate in the lungs, a benign condition called baritosis.
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Barium Sulfate