International Chemical Safety Cards

LITHIUM

ICSC: 0710

LITHIUM
Li
Atomic mass: 6.9
CAS # 7439-93-2
RTECS # OJ5540000
ICSC # 0710
UN # 1415
EC # 003-001-00-4

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with water.	Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents. NO water.
EXPLOSION			In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!
INHALATION	Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath.	Ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	Redness. Pain. Blisters.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Nausea. Shock or collapse. Vomiting. Weakness.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Consult an expert! Collect spilled substance into dry metallic sealable container, carefully absorb remainder in dry sand or dry inert absorbent. Do NOT wash away into sewer. (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from acids, halons and other incompatible materials (see chemical dangers). Cool. Dry. Keep under mineral oil.

Airtight.
F symbol
C symbol
R: 14/15-34
S: 8-43
UN Hazard Class: 4.3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0710

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

LITHIUM

ICSC: 0710

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
SOFT SILVER-WHITE METAL TURNS YELLOW ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AND MOISTURE.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air when finely dispersed. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, acids and many compounds (hydrocarbons, halogens and halons) causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with water, forming highly flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes of lithium hydroxide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin, the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 1336°C
Melting point: 180.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.5

Solubility in water: reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 723°C: 133

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

NOTES

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-750
NFPA Code: H1; F1; R2;

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.