Barium sulfate is often given for patients to ingest as an image enhancer for gastrointestinal x-rays. Soft tissue does not appear on standard x-rays without an image enhancer.  Here is an example of a swallow study.  The patient is consuming the BaSO4 to highlight the safe swallowing and function of the epiglottis. The barium ion is toxic to humans.  What about this reversible reaction makes this a safe practice?

Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
9th Edition
ISBN:9781337399425
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter17: Equilibrium
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Barium sulfate is often given for patients to ingest as an image enhancer for gastrointestinal x-rays. Soft tissue does not appear on standard x-rays without an image enhancer.  Here is an example of a swallow study.  The patient is consuming the BaSO4 to highlight the safe swallowing and function of the epiglottis. The barium ion is toxic to humans.  What about this reversible reaction makes this a safe practice?

 

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