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LITHIUMICSC: 0710 (March 1999)
CAS #: 7439-93-2
UN #: 1415
EC Number: 231-102-5

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances or water.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water.    Use special powder. NO water. NO other agents.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Skin burns. 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.  Wear 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 refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Nausea. Shock or collapse. Vomiting. Weakness.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Refer for medical attention . See Notes. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Consult an expert! Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry, metallic, sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: I 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halons and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep under mineral oil. 
PACKAGING
Airtight. 
LITHIUM ICSC: 0710
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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 , when finely dispersed, may ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, acids and many compounds (hydrocarbons, halogens, halons, concrete, sand and asbestos). This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with water. This produces highly flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes of lithium hydroxide. 

Formula: Li
Atomic mass: 6.9
Boiling point: 1336°C
Melting point: 180.5°C
Density: 0.5 g/cm³
Solubility in water: violent reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 723°C: 133
Auto-ignition temperature: 179°C  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes. 

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 0.2 mg/m3; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: C 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
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 are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F, C; R: 14/15-34; S: (1/2)-8-43-45 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations