Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LITHIUM BISMUTHIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Ceramic.

SYNONYMS

Li3Bi

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Owing to limited gastro-intestinal absorption, administration of insoluble bismuth compounds by mouth does not usually give rise to acute toxic effects. They are excreted in the faeces. Stomatitis (ulceration of mouth parts) may result following ingestion.  Absorbed bismuth salts permeate the body fluids and tissues and are excreted mainly in the urine but some bismuth is retained in tissues. It is deposited in the metaphyses of young bones and can pass the placenta into the fetus.  Effects of acute bismuth intoxication are gastro-intestinal disturbance, anorexia, headache, malaise, skin reactions, discoloration of mucous membranes and mild jaundice. Albuminuria (albumin in the urine) is an indication of kidney damage. Bismuth may cause a reverse encephalopathy (brain disease) that takes 2 to 10 weeks to reverse spontaneously.  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 produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Chronic bismuth poisoning causes decreased appetite, weakness, rheumatic pain, diarrhea, fever, foul breath, gum and skin inflammation. Even after exposure ceases there may be a blue line ("bismuth line") of the gums years later. Jaundice and bleeding from the conjunctiva rarely occurs, but kidney damage and protein in the urine may occur. Absence of urination and death is possible.  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.