Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LITHIUM HEXAFLUOROARSENATE(V)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate. Electrolyte component for lithium battery systems

SYNONYMS

As-F6-Li, LiAsF6, "hexafluoroarsenate(-1), lithium salt"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause CANCER.
Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Ingestion may produce nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, bloody stools, shock, rapid pulse and coma. Severe gastritis or gastroenteritis may occur as a result of lesions produced by vascular damage from absorbed arsenic (and not local corrosion); symptoms may be delayed for several hours. Eventually a violent hemorrhagic gastroenteritis leads to profound loss of fluid and electrolyte resulting in shock and death. Occasionally alimentary symptoms are mild or absent in which case symptoms are usually referable to the central nervous system, headache, vertigo, muscle spasm or convulsion, delirium and, sometimes, mania. In advanced poisonings by arsenic and its inorganic salts, nervous symptoms are prominent; disorders of the brain (encephalopathies) and peripheral neuritis (more commonly) have been described. A prickling sensation (paresthesia), decreased sensitivity to sensation and pain (hypoesthesia), eventually paralysis and muscular atrophy appear, usually in the legs. "Glove and stocking' distribution of sensory loss may be prominent. The toxic moiety is presumed to be trivalent arsenic in the form of inorganic arsenious acid (arsenite) or an organic arsenoxide. Arsenites are active enzyme inhibitors. Arsenic and its compounds may damage the stem cell which acts as the precursor to components of the blood. Loss of the stem cell may result in pancytopenia (a reduction in the number of red and white blood cells and platelets) with a latency period corresponding to the lifetime of the individual blood cells. Granulocytopenia (a reduction in granular leukocytes) develops within days and thrombocytopenia (a disorder involving platelets), within 1-2 weeks, whilst loss of erythrocytes (red blood cells) need months to become clinically manifest. Aplastic anaemia develops due to complete destruction of the stem cells.  Fluoride causes severe loss of calcium in the blood, with symptoms appearing several hours later including painful and rigid muscle contractions of the limbs. Cardiovascular collapse can occur and may cause death with increased heart rate and other heart rhythm irregularities. The brain and kidneys may be affected. Other toxic effects include headache, increased saliva output, jerking of the eyeball and dilated pupils, lethargy, stupor, coma and rarely, convulsions.  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

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, may markedly increase skin corrosion and accelerate tissue destruction.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  Arsenic can cause skin irritation characterized by eczema, scaling, sensitization, and discoloration and thickening of the palms and soles.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material, during the course of normal handling, may produce toxic effects.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhaling materials containing arsenic can cause severe irritation to the nose, throat and lungs. Prolonged exposure can cause severe structural damage to the nose.  Acute effects of fluoride inhalation include irritation of nose and throat, coughing and chest discomfort. A single acute over-exposure may even cause nose bleed. Pre-existing respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis may be aggravated by exposure. Occupational asthma may result from exposure.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is sufficient evidence to suggest that this materialdirectly causes cancer in humans.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  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.  Long-term exposure to arsenic and its inorganic salts may produce loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, low fever, persistent headache, pallor, weakness and phlegm. Skin effects include redness, eczema, pigmentation, diffuse hair loss, scaling of the palms and soles, sloughing, brittle nails, white lines or bands on the nails, loss of hair and nails, and localized swelling. Kidney damage can occur and liver enlargement with jaundice may develop into cirrhosis (hardening of the liver), with fluid in the abdomen. Nervous system effects involving the extremities (numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, inco-ordination) may also occur. Arsenic is well-known to cause cancer in humans.  Arsenic can cause skin irritation characterized by eczema, scaling, sensitization, and discoloration and thickening of the palms and soles.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.