
Page | 001 Common Name: LITHIUM Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet Right to Know Synonym: None Chemical Name: Lithium Date: November 1999 Revision: June 2008 CAS Number: RTK Substance Number: DOT Number: 7439-93-2 1119 UN 1415 Description and Use Lithium is a soft, silver to grayish-white (or yellow if exposed to air), odorless metal, crystalline mass or powder. It is used in the manufacture of storage batteries, heat transfer liquids and metal alloys. It is also used as a medication. Reasons for Citation Lithium is on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT and NFPA. This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List. EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE BACK PAGE Hazard Rating HEALTH FLAMMABILITY REACTIVITY Hazard Summary NJDOH NFPA - 3 - 2 - 2 W SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5. FIRST AID Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe Lithium can affect you when inhaled. Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Inhaling Lithium can irritate the nose and throat. Inhaling Lithium can irritate the lungs. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Exposure to Lithium can cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Lithium can cause headache, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, confusion, seizures and coma. Lithium may affect the thyroid gland, kidneys and heart function. Lithium is REACTIVE and a DANGEROUS EXPLOSION HAZARD. Lithium is CORROSIVE when in contact with MOISTURE or WATER. Eye Contact Quickly brush off excess chemical from the face. Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 60 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact lenses, if worn, while flushing. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately blot or brush off excess chemical and wash gently with large amounts of water for at least 60 minutes. DO NOT INTERRUPT WASHING. Seek medical attention immediately. Inhalation Remove the person from exposure. Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. EMERGENCY NUMBERS Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300 NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337 National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802 Workplace Exposure Limits COMBUSTIBLE AND REACTIVE MAY IGNITE SPONTANEOUSLY IN AIR POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE DO NOT USE WATER No occupational exposure limits have been established for Lithium. However, it may pose a health risk. Always follow safe work practices.
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