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: sales@espimetals.com
Trade Name: Lithium
Chemical Family: Alkali Metals
Formula: Li
CAS #: 7439-93-2
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: Lithium
%: 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
Vapor Pressure: N/E or N/A
% Volatiles: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Reacts violently
Appearance and Odor: Silvery-white soft metallic solid, no odor
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): 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.
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.
Corrosive materials are acutely destructive to the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and digestive tract. Eye contact may result in permanent damage and complete vision loss. Inhalation 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 may cause damage to the mouth, throat and esophagus. May cause skin burns or irritation depending on the severity of the exposure.
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 occurs, administer oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Quickly wipe from the mouth as much of the material as possible and immediately rinse the mouth with large amounts of water. Seek immediate medical attention. DO NOT induce vomiting.
SKIN: Quickly brush off as much of the material as possible. If particles are embedded in the skin and cannot be removed, cover area with USP Grade mineral oil and seek immediate medical attention. If particles are not embedded, flush with large amounts of water. Obtain medical attention.
EYE: Immediately wipe away any particles, then 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: See "Effects of Overexposure." 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: Heat (temperatures above melting point 180.5 oC), water/moisture.
Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Water/moisture, acids, oxidizers, oxygen, halogens, heavy metal powders, sulfur, halocarbons, nitrogen, 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, closing them securely and tightly. 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: Local exhaust.
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: Keep away from water, humid air, acids and oxidizing materials. 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. 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.
TSCA: Listed
CERCLA: Not listed
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.
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
Dated: March 2006