Barium compounds can also be produced by industry. Barium compounds are used by the oil and gas industries to make drilling muds. Drilling muds make it easier to drill through rock by keeping the drill bit lubricated. They are also used to make paint, bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber. Barium gets into the air during the mining, refining, and production of barium compounds, and from the burning of coal and oil.
Some barium compounds dissolve easily in water and are found in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Barium is found in most soils and foods at low levels. Fish and aquatic organisms accumulate barium. Breathing very low levels in air, drinking water, and eating food Breathing higher levels in air while working in industries that make or use barium compounds Drinking water containing high levels of barium from natural sources Breathing air near barium mining or processing plants. The health effects of the different barium compounds depend on how well the compound dissolves in water. Barium compounds that do not dissolve well in water are not generally harmful and are often used by doctors for medical purposes.