Barium

Barium is a naturally occurring, silvery-white alkaline metalloid element with the symbol Ba and atomic number 56. Although a naturally occurring metallic solid, it is never found in nature as a free element. Barium combines well with other chemicals to form barium compounds used in the oil and gas industries.

The soft, silvery-white metal is a substance used in a wide range of industrial processes, including drilling muds, paints, ceramics, fireworks, glass, pesticides, rubber, diagnostic testing, and bricks. Barium sulfate is also an essential element used in the medical field for testings as well as for gastrointestinal tract x-rays.

Barium compounds are poisonous and may affect the exposed individual. The consumption of contaminated drinking water may lead to various health effects, including heart and nervous system problems, immune system issues, and respiratory system difficulties. Skin irritations are quite common if you bathe in barium-contaminated tap water. While it is not carcinogenic, the presence of barium in drinking water is a cause for concern.

According to the US EPA, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for barium in drinking water is 2.0 mg/L. Breathing difficulties, stomach irritation, and muscle weakness are among the potential health effects of drinking barium in your tap water.

The most effective ways to remove barium from drinking water to below the MCL of 2.0 mg/L is with cation exchange, Reverse Osmosis, and distillation process. Any of these water filtration methods are effective point-of-entry filtration techniques for removing the contaminant from your tap water.