Why is barium sulfate safe to drink?

Barium sulfate is considered safe to drink when used as a contrast agent in medical imaging, particularly for X-ray and CT scans of the gastrointestinal tract, because of its unique properties:

Insolubility in Water: Barium sulfate is extremely insoluble in water and other bodily fluids. This means it does not dissolve or break down in the digestive system, preventing the release of barium ions, which are toxic. The body does not absorb barium sulfate; it passes through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged and is excreted.

High Density and Radiopacity: Barium sulfate is very dense and radiopaque, meaning it blocks X-rays effectively. This allows it to clearly outline the structure of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines on X-ray images, helping physicians to diagnose various conditions.

Inertness: Chemically, barium sulfate is very inert, meaning it doesn't react with other substances in the body. Its chemical stability ensures that it does not interact with tissues or other compounds within the gastrointestinal tract.

These properties collectively make barium sulfate an ideal substance for imaging purposes without posing a significant risk to patients. The insolubility and inertness ensure it remains within the digestive system until excreted, thus avoiding systemic toxicity.