As its name suggests, barium chloride dihydrate, BaCl2⋅2H2O , is an ionic compound that contains water molecules in its crystal structure, i.e a hydrate.
Barium is a white liquid that is visible on X-rays. Barium passes through the digestive system and does not cause a person any harm.
Barium chloride is toxic and an eye, skin and mucous mem- brane irritant. May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or ab- sorbed through the skin. Poisoning may affect the kidneys, cardiovascular and central nervous systems.