Barium poisonings are uncommon and usually result from accidental contamination
of food sources, suicidal ingestion, or occupational inhalation exposure. The watersoluble
barium salts (acetate, carbonate, chloride, fluoride, hydroxide, nitrate, and
sulfide) are highly toxic, whereas the insoluble salt, barium sulfate, is nontoxic because
it is not absorbed. Soluble barium salts are found in depilatories, fireworks, ceramic
glazes, and rodenticides and are used in the manufacture of glass and in dyeing
textiles. Barium sulfide and polysulfide may also produce hydrogen sulfide
toxicity