MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

 

 

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

Product Name:      Lithium

Formula:                Li

CAS Number:         7439-93-2

 

 

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:    Lithium 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        N/A 

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/A

HMIS Ratings: 

Health:                             3   

Flammability:                  3  

Reactivity:                       3

 

 

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     1342 ^oC

Freezing/Melting Point:    180.5 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                0.534 g/cc at 20 ^oC                                                               

Solubility in H₂O:               Reacts violently

Appearance and Odor:      Silvery-white soft metallic solid, no odor

 

 

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/A       Lower:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  DO NOT USE WATER, SAND OR CARBON DIOXIDE.  Use graphite, Lith-X (Ansul).  If not available, use dry sodium chloride, dry (anhydrous) calcium oxide, dry lithium chloride.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full fire fighting protective clothing when fighting significant-sized fires.  Lithium fires can throw off molten lithium metal particles.  Burning lithium releases corrosive lithium oxide dust and fumes.  Lithium metal can reignite after fire is initially extinguished.  Never leave extinguished fire unattended.  After all material has apparently burned and cooled, carefully turn over remaining residue and be prepared to re-extinguish should re-ignition occur.  Carefully place residue in a steel drum, using a long-handled shovel, and cover with extinguishing media.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Reacts violently with water to give off flammable, explosive hydrogen gas and corrosive dust.  When heated to decomposition may emit toxic and corrosive fumes of lithium oxide, lithium hydroxide.  Lithium fires can throw off molten lithium metal particles.

 

 

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of lithium have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Large amounts of lithium compounds may cause vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, intestinal irritation, kidney injury, central nervous system depression and a drop in  blood pressure.  Central nervous system effects may include slurred speech, blurred vision, dizziness, sensory loss, convulsions and stupor.  Chronic intake may cause neuromuscular effects such as tremor, ataxia, weakness, clonus and hyperactive reflexes.  Lithium can cause kidney damage, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, dehydration, weight loss, dermatological effects and thyroid damage.  Lithium ion has been shown teratogenic effects in rats and mice.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  CORROSIVE to nose, throat and respiratory tract.  May result in respiratory effects such as inflammation, edema, and chemical pneumonitis.  May cause coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting

Ingestion:  CORROSIVE.  Ingestion may cause damage to the mouth, throat and esophagus

Skin:  CORROSIVE.  Lithium metal is extremely reactive with body moisture and is corrosive to skin.

Eye:  CORROSIVE.  Lithium metal is extremely reactive with body moisture and is corrosive to eyes (may cause blindness).

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause neuromuscular effects such as tremor, ataxia, weakness, clonus and hyperactive reflexes

Ingestion:  May cause vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, intestinal irritation, kidney injury, central nervous system depression and a drop in  blood pressure.

Skin:  No chronic effects known.

Eye:  No chronic effects known.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  N/A

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             ACGIH:  No          OSHA:  No

Decontamination Procedures:  Wipe off as much as possible and remove contaminated clothing, being careful not to allow material to  contact skin.  Wash thoroughly with large amounts of water.

Product health hazards:  CORROSIVE (Reacts with body moisture to form corrosive lithium hydroxide).

 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air.  If breathing difficulty or discomfort occurs and persists, see a medical doctor.  If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration and seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Quickly wipe material from the mouth and rinse mouth with water.  Seek immediate medical attention.  DO NOT induce vomiting.  Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Quickly wife off as much of the material as possible, then immediately flush with plenty of water while removing contaminated clothing and/or shoes.  Obtain medical attention.

EYE:  Immediately flush with very large amounts of water occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention.

Note to Physician:  This product is corrosive and reacts violently with water.  Treatment should first remove as much of the material as possible as quickly as possible and then flush with very large quantities of water.  Ingestion presents a singular problem as emesis may produce esophageal damage and/or aspiration damage; dilution with water or other water-containing materials may produce a reaction that exacerbates the corrosive activity.  Consideration may be given to gastric lavage with a large diameter tube for removal of material and then dilution with large amounts of water.  Esophagoscope may be of assistance in this procedure and to assess extent of damage.  Treatment is otherwise symptomatic and supportive.

 

 

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Temperatures above the melting point (180.5 ^oC/357 ^oF), and contact with water, moisture, or humid air.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, oxidizers, oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen gas, corrosive fumes of lithium oxide and/or lithium hydroxide.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

 

 

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  To prevent ignition, cover with mineral oil (or kerosene) soaking thoroughly, and place in oiled steel drums which are approved for transport.  Keep away from water, rain, snow, etc.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

 

 

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust ventilation to keep concentrations below exposure limits.  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere.

Protective Gloves:  Dry rubber for general use.  Fire resistant gloves required if the metal is handled and used in a molten state.

Protective Footwear:  Fire resistant footwear required if the metal is handled and used in a molten state.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses or goggles for general use.  Full flame-resistant face shield required if the metal is handled and used in a molten state.

Protective Clothing or Equipment:  No special requirement for general use.  Fire resistant, full protective clothing required if the metal is handled and used in a molten state.

 

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Can be handled in open atmosphere at room temperature, either coated with mineral oil or where relative humidity is maintained below 50%.  Otherwise, handle under dry argon.  To maintain best quality, humidity levels of less than 2% are recommended.  Wear safety glasses or goggles under a face shield and dry rubber gloves.  Store in original unopened shipping container.  Once opened, store in argon atmosphere or mineral oil.  Keep away from sparks, heat and flame.

Other Precautions:  Store away from water/moisture.  Store away from air.  Do not store together with acids.  Store away from oxidizing agents.  Store away from halogens.  Store under dry argon.

WARNINGS:  CORROSIVE.  HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.  REACTS VIOLENTLY WITH WATER, LIBERATING EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GASES.  CAUSES BURNS.  KEEP CONTAINER DRY.  IN CASE OF FIRE, USE POWDERED EXTINGUISHING AGENT.  NEVER USE WATER.  IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR IF YOU FEEL UNWELL, SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA:  Listed

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    4.3

Identification Number:     UN1415

Packing Group:                 I

Proper Shipping Name:     Lithium

 

 

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

 

Issued By:             S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:    September 2008