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

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Product Name:     Lithium Carbonate

Formula:              Li₂CO₃

CAS Number:       554-13-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Lithium Carbonate

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Rating:

Health:                              2

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   1310 ^oC

Melting Point:                  723 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             2.11 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Slightly soluble

Appearance and Odor:   White powder, no odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosive Limits:  Upper:  N/A          Lower:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing agent for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  Lithium carbonate may emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of lithium carbonate 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 shown teratogenic effects in rats and mice.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by ingestion.  May cause human systemic, reproductive and teratogenic effects, central nervous effects, circulatory failure and cardiovascular collapse.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pulmonary edema and lung damage.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation, renal dysfunction, derangement of neuromuscular activity, diabetes and kidney damage.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, skin and eyes.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No     IARC:  No      OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, seek medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.   Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Water, strong acids, fluorine.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Lithium oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide.

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.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Disposal Procedure:  Dispose in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local Environmental Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves. 

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a tightly sealed container.  Store in a cool, dry area.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Do not store near oxidizing agents or acids.

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 or 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:         Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:       None

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:                  January 2010