ICSC 0710 - LITHIUM

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

LITHIUM

ICSC: 0710
_{March 1999}

CAS No: 7439-93-2
RTECS No: OJ5540000
UN No: 1415
EC No: 003-001-00-4

Li
Atomic mass: 6.9

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	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).	F Symbol C Symbol R: 14/15-34 S: (1/2-)8-43-45 UN Hazard Class: 4.3 UN Pack Group: I	Airtight.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-750 NFPA Code: H3; F2; R2; W	Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halons and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep under mineral oil.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
SOFT SILVER-WHITE METAL. TURNS YELLOW ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AND MOISTURE.

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).

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
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

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 is therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2000

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Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 10.10.2000