Barium is excreted primarily in the feces. At low doses, barium acts as a muscle stimulant and at higher doses affects the nervous system eventually leading to paralysis. Acute and subchronic oral doses of barium cause vomiting and diarrhea, followed by decreased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Higher doses result in cardiac irregularities, weakness, tremors, anxiety, and dyspnea. A drop in serum potassium may account for some of the symptoms.
Death can occur from cardiac and respiratory failure.
Acute doses around 0.8 grams can be fatal to humans. Subchronic and chronic oral or inhalation exposure primarily affects the cardiovascular system resulting in elevated blood pressure. No clinically significant effects were observed. This condition is often accompanied by an elevated blood pressure but does not result in a change in pulmonary function. Reproduction and developmental effects were also observed.