Working environment factors
How Does Barium Affect Workers’ Health?
Nov
This article will focus on exploring the impact of barium, a heavy metal commonly used in barium imaging procedures, on the health of workers. We will delve into the barium imaging process, examining the potential risks and effects it may have on workers in the medical field. The article will also cover safety measures and related scientific research to ensure that the use of barium in medicine does not endanger the health of those working in this industry.
1. What is Barium?
Barium (Ba) is a chemical element in the periodic table with atomic number 56 and the chemical symbol Ba. It belongs to group 2 and period 6 of the periodic table of elements. Barium is an alkaline earth metal, soft, malleable, and silvery-white in color. It is also one of the heavy chemical elements, and when exposed to air, it can oxidize.
One of the common applications of barium is in medicine, where barium compounds are used to create contrast agents in imaging techniques such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT scans). This contrast agent helps enhance the visibility of structures within the body on medical images. However, the use of barium also raises some safety and health impact concerns, especially for those working in the medical field.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Bari | Barium | 28051900 | 7440-39-3 | Ba |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
2. Where does Barium originate from in the production process?
Barium does not naturally occur in its pure state but is typically extracted from barium-rich minerals such as baryte (barite, BaSO4) or witherite (BaCO3). The production process of barium usually begins with the mining of these mineral deposits.
The main steps in the barium production process include:
- Mining: Barium-rich minerals are extracted from mines and then transported to processing plants.
- Processing: The barium mineral is processed to extract barium from the other components of the mineral.
- Creating barium compounds: Barium is often produced in compound forms such as barium sulfate (BaSO4) or barium carbonate (BaCO3). These compounds can then be used in various applications, including in medicine for creating contrast agents for medical imaging.
3. Industries that use Barium in production
Barium is used in several different industries due to its properties, especially its ability to create contrast in medical images. Here are some of the main industries that use barium in production:
- Medicine: Barium sulfate and barium carbonate are used to create contrast agents in medical imaging processes such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT scans), and other imaging methods. The contrast agent helps highlight internal organs and bone structures in the body.
- Seafood Processing: Barium sulfate is used in fish processing to create a preservative and beautifying coating on the product.
- Rubber Processing: Barium sulfate can be used as a flame retardant and to add durability to rubber products.
- Paper Production: Barium sulfate is added to paper to increase its whiteness and brightness.
- Colorant Industry: Barium nitrate is used in the production of colorants for fireworks and the glass processing industry.
- Petroleum Industry: Barium sulfate is used in oil drilling and oil and gas extraction processes to create anti-caking solutions.
4. How does Barium affect workers?
Barium can affect the health of workers, especially those working in the medical field where barium is often used to create contrast agents during medical imaging. Here are some issues that may arise:
- Risk of Inhaling Dust Particles: During the preparation and use of barium contrast agents, workers may face the risk of inhaling barium dust particles. Direct or improper contact can cause respiratory problems and lung health issues.
- Direct Impact on Skin and Eyes: Direct contact with barium contrast agents can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Failure to use personal protective measures such as gloves and safety glasses can increase the risk of injury.
- Risk of Workplace Environment Contamination: During production and use, there is a possibility that barium and its compounds will contaminate the work environment, especially if safety measures are not followed.
- Waste Care and Management: Handling barium-containing waste is also an important issue to prevent environmental pollution and protect the health of workers involved in the disposal process.
- Health Research and Monitoring: Research and health monitoring of workers exposed to barium are needed to ensure that safety measures are being implemented effectively and to detect potential health problems early.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Barium for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of barium for human exposure is regulated by management agencies and health organizations to ensure health safety. These limits and standards can vary depending on the type of exposure, industry, and country. Here are some general guidelines:
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs): Health organizations and agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have set standards for permissible barium concentrations in the workplace. For barium sulfate, a common form of barium, the OEL is typically around 0.5 – 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³) of air, depending on the specific regulation.
Drinking Water Safety Standards:
- According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, the barium concentration in drinking water should not exceed 0.7 mg/l (milligrams per liter).
- In the United States, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Primary Drinking Water Standard for barium at 2 mg/l.
Other Safety Concentrations:
- Other industries, such as food processing, may also have specific standards for permissible barium concentrations in products and the work environment.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Barium. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Barium on workers
To minimize the health effects of barium on workers in industries that use this substance, there are several safety and management measures that organizations and businesses can implement:
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Ensure workers are provided with and correctly use PPE such as safety glasses, masks, gloves, and other protective gear to reduce direct contact with barium.
- Occupational Safety Training:
- Provide adequate training on occupational safety and the use of barium contrast agents.
- Educate workers about potential risks and preventive measures.
- Safe Handling Techniques:
- Implement safe methods for handling barium contrast agents in the work environment, such as using vacuum systems and special packaging equipment.
- Workspace Control:
- Implement measures to control the workspace and prevent the spread of barium dust into the air, which increases the risk of inhalation.
- Reduce Barium Use:
- If possible, consider reducing barium use by using alternative contrast agents or applying imaging methods that do not use barium if feasible.
- Waste Management:
- Handle and dispose of barium-containing waste safely and in compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
- Health Monitoring:
- Conduct regular health monitoring for workers exposed to barium to detect potential health problems early.
- Compliance with Standards and Regulations:
- Adhere to all safety standards and regulations related to the use of barium in each specific industry.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise, we desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With the Nam Viet Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Quotation
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation table provides detailed price information for the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to advise and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
