Material Safety Data Sheet: Barium Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Barium Acetate
Chemical Formula: Ba(C2H3O2)2
CAS Number: 543-80-6
Synonyms: Acetic acid, barium salt; Barium diacetate
Recommended Uses: Laboratory chemical, manufacture of other chemicals
Manufacturer/Supplier: Chemical distributors, industrial suppliers
Emergency Contact Phone: Local poison control center, chemical emergency response teams

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Eye irritation
Hazard Symbols: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: May be fatal if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and eye protection, do not eat, drink or smoke when using
Health Hazards: Toxic to kidneys, liver, and central nervous system on exposure or ingestion; May cause muscle stimulation and cardiac irregularities
Environmental Hazards: Highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Barium Acetate
Concentration: 98–100%
Impurities: Water (trace amounts), possible trace metal contaminants
Molecular Weight: 255.42 g/mol
Relevant Impurities: None at typical concentrations for commercial or laboratory use, but always confirm by product batch analysis

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Immediately wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing; call a physician if skin irritation develops
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if breathing stops; call emergency medical services promptly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; give water or milk if person is alert; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention, especially due to risk of cardiac complications
Symptoms from Exposure: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, unconsciousness

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam; water spray for larger fires
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet that might spread material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Barium oxides, carbon oxides, acetic acid vapors
Protective Equipment: Firefighters must use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to prevent exposure to toxic fumes
Fire Hazards: Thermal decomposition emits poisonous and corrosive fumes; material does not readily ignite but can intensify fire in presence of combustible material

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, wear dust mask or respirator, goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and lab coat
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil; notify environmental authorities in case of large spill
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum without raising dust, place in suitable sealed container for disposal, ventilate affected area
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly with water and detergent after cleaning up dust or residue

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated space, avoid creating airborne dust, keep container tightly closed, do not eat or drink nearby
Storage: Store in tightly sealed original containers in cool, dry, ventilated area away from acids, foodstuffs, animal feed, incompatible chemicals
Special Precautions: Do not store near moisture or oxidizing agents, clearly label storage area with hazard warning signage, maintain spill containment measures

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: Occupational Exposure Limits (OSHA, NIOSH): Barium, soluble compounds (as Ba) TWA 0.5 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, laboratory fume hood, eye wash stations and emergency showers
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, nitrile or neoprene gloves, lab apron or coat, dust mask (P2 or N95 minimum), closed-toe shoes
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling; wash hands, face and arms after use; change clothing if contaminated

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid, odorless
Odor: None detectable
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: 450 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable under normal conditions
Density: 2.46 g/cm³
pH: 7.0–8.0 (1% solution in water)
Other Data: Decomposes upon prolonged exposure to moisture or high temperature, forms barium oxide and acetic acid

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature if kept dry and sealed
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high temperatures, acids, oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Barium oxide, acetic acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with acids to release toxic barium ions and acetic acid fumes

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral-rat: 921 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may impact nervous system, kidneys, and heart
Symptoms: Muscle tremors, severe gastrointestinal distress, hypokalemia (low blood potassium), convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Other Data: Risk of severe poisoning with even moderate oral exposure; rapid medical intervention prevents serious complications

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Barium ions do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Barium can accumulate in aquatic organisms, risk to food chain
Mobility in Soil: Moderate; risk of leaching into water systems
Other Adverse Effects: Spillage or improper disposal can poison local flora and fauna, disrupts ecosystem balance, requires careful management

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations; do not pour into drains, sewers or environment
Container Disposal: Rinse and triple wash containers, dispose of in accordance with environmental regulations, ensure residual chemical is neutralized or removed
Special Precautions: Wear protective clothing and use appropriate waste containment, consult with licensed waste disposal contractor
Regulatory Basis: Refer to RCRA, EPA, and local hazardous waste guidelines before final disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: 1564
UN Proper Shipping Name: Barium compound, n.o.s. (Barium acetate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Toxic, Environmental hazard
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure in closed, labeled containers; prevent movement or rupture of container during transit; keep away from incompatible materials and foodstuffs
Regulatory Transport Codes: ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA checked for compliance and labeling

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical based on acute toxicity
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Section 313: Barium compounds subject to reporting requirements
EPA Regulations: Hazardous substance under CERCLA; reportable quantity threshold applies
Labeling Requirements: Compliant with GHS classification, hazard pictograms, signal words, and risk statements
Workplace Control: Compliance with occupational exposure limits (OSHA, ACGIH) and safety training for handlers
Other Regulations: Local, national, and international transport and storage laws enforced; periodic safety audits recommended to prevent accidental exposure or release