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 Oxide

Formula:              Li₂O

CAS Number:       12057-24-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Lithium Oxide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                               4

Flammability:                     0

Reactivity:                          2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   1200 ^oC at 600 mm

Melting Point:                   >1700 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              2.013 g/cc at 25.2 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:              6.67 at 0 ^oC

Appearance and Odor:     White granular powder, 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:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting 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:  If involved in a fire, lithium oxide may emit toxic fumes.  Strong alkali.  Lithium oxide readily absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere.  At elevated temperatures it attacks glass, silica and many metals.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

The toxicity of lithium compounds is a function of their solubility in water.  Lithium ion has central nervous system toxicity.  The initial effects of lithium exposure are tremors of the hands, nausea, micturition, slurred speech, sluggishness, sleepiness, vertigo, thirst, and increased urine volume.  Effects from continued exposure are apathy, anorexia, fatigue, lethargy, muscular weakness, and changes in ECG.  Long-term exposure leads to hypothyroidism, leukocytosis, edema, weight gain, polydipsia/polyuria (increased water intake leading to increased urinary output), memory impairment, seizures, kidney damage, shock, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, death.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  Causes irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause central nervous system effects, circulatory failure and cardiovascular collapse.

Skin:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

Eye:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

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:  May be an irritant and corrosive.

Eye:  May cause blurred vision.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eyes.

Target Organs:  May affect 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 immediately.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  Immediately wash affected area with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing.  Obtain medical assistance immediately.

EYE:  Flush with copious amounts of water, including under eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Obtain medical attention immediately.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Water, steam.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Lithium hydroxide, oxides of lithium, lithium and hydrogen gas.

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 and provide ventilation.  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.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator when adequate ventilation is not available.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled atmosphere in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles or glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

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

Other Precautions:  Lithium oxide readily absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and in an inert gas, such as argon.

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.

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

Date:                    June 1993