The solubility of BaSO4 is about 1*10-5 M at 30 deg C.While pretty low,it
may still be significant,particularly because barium sulfate is constipating
and it might stay in the gut for a long time.Laxatives are usually dispensed
after the X-rays are done.The one time that I had my belly X-ray'd ,I was given
a stiff dose of Epsom Salt (MgSO4) ,which makes a lot of sense,since it not
only speeds up the elimination of the barium,but it also reduces the solubility
by some 5 orders of magnitude.(assuming [Mg++] and [SO4--] to be about 1 molar).
T.Emilsson
U.ofIllinois/Chem.
rellim at MAILHOST.TCS.TULANE.EDU (Chuck Miller) writes:
>Barium used in diagnostic radiology is in the insoluble sulfate form.
>Consequently, it never leaves the gut and is eliminated by fecal excretion.
>I know of no toxicity resulting from barium sulfate use in medical tests.
>Virtually yours,
>Chuck
>Dr. Charles A. Miller, rellim at mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu>Bionet.Toxicology News Group Discussion Leader
>Dept. Environmental Health Sciences
>Rm. 374, Center for Bioenvironmental Research
>School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
>Tulane University Medical Center
>1430 Tulane Ave. Box SL29
>New Orleans, LA 70112
>Ph. 504-585-6942, Fx. 504-585-6939
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