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 Sulfide

Formula:              Li₂S

CAS Number:       12136-58-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Lithium Sulfide

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                    N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                           3

Flammability:                3

Reactivity:                     2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  900 ^oC to 975 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             1.66 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble

Appearance and Odor:   White-yellow, deliquescent powder, may have a rotten egg odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Flammable solid

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media 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:  Flammable when exposed to flame or by spontaneous chemical reaction.  When heated to decomposition, lithium sulfide may emit toxic fumes of hydrogen sulfide.  Reacts with water, moisture or steam to evolve toxic and flammable hydrogen sulfide.  May ignite easily in air at room temperature.  May ignite violently on contact with powerful oxidizing agents.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of lithium sulfide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.  Sulfides have variable toxicity.  The alkaline sulfides (potassium, calcium, ammonium, and sodium) are similar in action to alkalies.  They cause softening and irritation of the skin.  If ingested they are corrosive and irritating through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide and free alkali.

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:  May cause tremors of the hands, nausea, micturition, slurred speech, sluggishness, sleepiness, vertigo, thirst, increased urine volume, apathy, anorexia, fatigue lethargy, muscular weakness, changes in ECG, altered respiratory rate, convulsions, liver and kidney damage.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May be a severe irritant.

Eye:  May be a severe irritant.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause hypothyroidism, leukocytosis, edema, weight gain, polydipsia/polyuria, memory impairment, seizures, kidney damage, shock hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, coma and death.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

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

Target Organs:  May affect the central nervous system.

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 victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water;  DO NOT induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.

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

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, water, moisture, steam and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide and oxides of sulfur.

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.  Use non-sparking tools.  Take care not to raise dust.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.  Select according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025(f)(2) Table II.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled atmosphere in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the TLV, PEL.  General exhaust is not 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 cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Store in an inert atmosphere.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Lithium sulfide may react with water, moisture and steam.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and 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:                    April 1994