Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LITHIUM OXIDE FUME

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Not applicable.

SYNONYMS

Li2-O, lithia

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Lithium, in large doses, can cause dizziness and weakness. If a low salt diet is in place,  kidney damage can result. There may be dehydration, weight loss, skin effects and thyroid disturbances. Central nervous system effects include slurred speech, blurred vision, numbness, inco-ordination and convulsions. Repeated exposure can cause diarrhea, vomiting,  tremor, muscle jerks and very brisk reflexes.  

EYE

  The material can produce chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, may markedly increase skin corrosion and accelerate tissue destruction.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  The material may cause skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  The material may produce respiratory tract irritation, and result in damage to the lung including reduced lung function.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Lithium compounds can affect the nervous system and muscle. This can cause tremor, inco-  ordination, spastic jerks and very brisk reflexes. They may cause birth defects and should not be used when pregnancy is suspected. They are effective in treating manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Restricting sodium in the diet increases the risks of taking lithium.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.