ICSC 0710 - LITHIUM

LITHIUM	ICSC: 0710 (March 1999)

CAS #: 7439-93-2

UN #: 1415

EC Number: 231-102-5

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances or water.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water.	Use special powder. NO water. NO other agents. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.	Use 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.	Wear 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 refer for medical attention.
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	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Consult an expert! Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry, metallic, sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: I
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halons and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep under mineral oil.
PACKAGING
Airtight.

LITHIUM

ICSC: 0710

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
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 , when finely dispersed, may ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, acids and many compounds (hydrocarbons, halogens, halons, concrete, sand and asbestos). This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with water. This produces highly flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes of lithium hydroxide.	Formula: Li Atomic mass: 6.9 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

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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 , when finely dispersed, may ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, acids and many compounds (hydrocarbons, halogens, halons, concrete, sand and asbestos). This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with water. This produces highly flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes of lithium hydroxide.

Formula: Li
Atomic mass: 6.9
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

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes.	Inhalation risk Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes.

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 0.2 mg/m³; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: C

ENVIRONMENT

NOTES
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 are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: F, C; R: 14/15-34; S: (1/2)-8-43-45

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations