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NIOSH

LITHIUM

ICSC: 0710

Li
Atomic mass: 6.9
ICSC # 0710 		CAS # 7439-93-2
RTECS # OJ5540000
UN # 1415
EC # 003-001-00-4
March 23, 1999 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with water.
Special powder. NO water. NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances and water.

In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Nausea. Shock or collapse. Vomiting. Weakness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Refer for medical attention. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Consult an expert! Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into dry metallic sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halons and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep under mineral oil.
Airtight.
F symbol
C symbol
R: 14/15-34
S: 1/2-8-43-45
UN Hazard Class: 4.3
UN Packing Group: I
ICSC: 0710 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

LITHIUM

ICSC: 0710

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
SOFT SILVER-WHITE METAL. TURNS YELLOW ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AND MOISTURE.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air when finely dispersed. Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, acids and many compounds (hydrocarbons, halogens, halons, concrete, sand and asbestos) causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with water, forming highly flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes of lithium hydroxide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 1336°C
Melting point: 180.5°C
Density: 0.5
g/cm3
Solubility in water: violent reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 723°C: 133
Auto-ignition temperature: 179°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-750

NFPA Code: H3; F2; R2; W

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0710 LITHIUM
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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