lithium

H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

P223, P231+P232, P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P335+P334, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H260 (100%): In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H314 (100%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (20.8%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P223, P231+P232, P260, P264, P264+P265, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P335+P334, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 549 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P223, P231+P232, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P335+P334, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P321, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Refer for medical attention .

EYES or SKIN: flush with water and treat with boric acid. (USCG, 1999)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

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.

Extinguish lithium fires only with chemicals designed for this purpose.

Use approved Class D extinguishers or smother with dry sand, dry clay, or dry ground limestone. DO NOT use carbon dioxide or halogenated extinguishing agents. DO NOT use water. Violent reaction may result.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not use water. Do not use carbon dioxide. Use graphite, soda ash, powdered sodium chloride, or suitable dry powder.

Powdered graphite, lithium chloride, potassium chloride or zirconium silicate are suitable extinguishants.

Corrosive ... Water reactive ... Evolves hydrogen and ignites on contact with water.

Sodium carbonate and sodium chloride are unsuitable to use as extinguishers for lithium fires, since burning lithium will liberate the more reactive sodium in contact with them.

Liquid lithium is readily ignited and reacts with most extinguishing agents, including water, carbon tetrachloride and carbon dioxide.

Since lithium will burn in oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and when alight it will remove the combined oxygen in sand, sodium carbonate, etc., it is difficult to extinguish once alight ... Use of normal fire extinguishers (containing water, form, carbon dioxide, halocarbons, dry powders) will either accelerate combustion or cause explosion.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

Small Spill

· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

· Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

Powder Spill

· Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry.

· DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

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.

Eliminate all ignition sources. Keep water away from release. Shovel into suitable dry container.

Spillage Disposal: Wear eye protection, laboratory coat and nitrile rubber gloves. Cover spill with a 1:1:1 mixture by weight of sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate, clay cat litter (bentonite) and sand. Scoop the mixture into a pail and transport to the fume hood. Slowly and with stirring add to a large quantity of 95% ethanol. Mix and let stand for 24 hours. The solid residue may be treated as normal refuse.

Waste Disposal: Package Lots. Place in a separate labeled container for recycling or disposal by burning. Burn in an open furnace. Use caution and limit to 100 g packages. Small Quantities. Wear eye protection, laboratory coat and nitrile rubber gloves. Work in the fume hood. Equip a 3-necked round-bottom flask with a stirrer, dropping funnel, condenser and heating mantle. Flush the flask with nitrogen and place the lithium (cut in small pieces) in it. Add 30 mL of 95% ethanol per gram of lithium at a rate that causes rapid refluxing. Stirring is started as soon as enough ethanol has been added to make it feasible. The mixture is stirred and heated under reflux until the lithium is dissolved. The heat is turned off, and an equal volume of water is added at a rate that causes no more than mild refluxing. The solution is then cooled, neutralized with 6 M hydrochloric acid (cautiously add a volume of concentrated acid to an equal volume of cold water) and washed down the drain with at least 50 times its volume of water.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Do not use water. Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Keep material dry.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.

... Hexane is recommended as a suitable washing solvent.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halons and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep under mineral oil.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from water.

Keep under mineral oil or other liquid free from oxygen or water.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.2 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction, as Li (except Li and highly irritating lithium compounds, lithium amide, hydride, hydroxide, nitride, oxide, tetrahydroaluminate, and tetrahydroborate)[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

0.20 [mg/m3]

0.50 [mg/m3]

3.0 [mg/m3]

(inhalable fraction): 0.2 mg/m

· DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

Large Fire

· DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Metals or Powders (Aluminum, Lithium, Magnesium, etc.)

· Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see GUIDE 170.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

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

The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema.

Rubber or plastic gloves; face shield; respirator; fire-retardant clothing (USCG, 1999)

Rubber or plastic gloves; face shield; fire-retardant clothing

Wear special protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Lithium appears as a soft silvery metal that is normally grayish white. Reacts violently with water to form flammable hydrogen gas and strong caustic solution. Ignition usually occurs. Strong (corrosive) alkali fumes are formed in fire. (USCG, 1999)

Other Solid

Silvery white solid; Becomes yellowish or gray when exposed to moist air; [CHEMINFO]

SOFT SILVER-WHITE METAL. TURNS YELLOW ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AND MOISTURE.

Soft silvery-white metal

Silvery-white metal; body centered cubic structure; becomes yellowish on exposure to moist air

ODORLESS

1336 °C (2437 °F)

1342 °C @760 [mm Hg]

180.5 °C (357 °F)

180.54 °C

Enthalpy of fusion at the melting point: 432 J/g; specific heat capacity at constant pressure at 25 °C: 3.57 24.8 J/mol K

When heated above melting point it burns with an intense white light; liquid metal dissolves metals such as copper, zinc, tin and their alloys.

180.5 °C

Reacts with water

Soluble in liquid ammonia forming a blue solution

Solubility in water: violent reaction

0.53 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.534 g/cu cm at 25 °C

0.5 g/cm³

0.534 @25 °C

7.90X10-11 Pa (5.92X10-13 mm Hg) at 400 K (127 °C); 0.000489 Pa (3.67X10-6 mm Hg) at 600 K (327 °C); 1.08 Pa (0.00810 mm Hg) at 800 K (524 °C); 109 Pa (0.818 mm Hg) at 1000 K (727 °C)

Vapor pressure, Pa at 723 °C: 133

Decomposes in water

354 °F (USCG, 1999)

LIQUID METAL IS CORROSIVE, ATTACKING GLASS OR PORCELAIN AT A TEMPERATURE OF ABOUT 200 °C

Emits corrosive fumes when burned

-18,470 BTU/LB= -10,260 CAL/G= -429.3X10+5 J/KG

ca. 21.3 kJ/g

Surface tension at the melting point: 398 mN/m

Atomic number: 3; valance: 1; group IA(1); alkali metal; hardest of the alkali metals; Mohs' hardness: 0.6; Oxidation potential: 3.045 V; reacts with water forming the hydroxide and hydrogen (H2); reacts violently with inorganic acids; reacts slowly with cold sulfuric acid; does not react with oxygen at room temperature; forms Li2O when heated to 100 °C or higher; artificial radioactive isotopes: 5, 8-11 (all are unstable, half-lives < 1 sec)

Two stable isotopes are present in natural lithium: 7 (92.4%); 6 (7.6%); remains untarnished in dry air, but in moist air, its surface becomes coated with a mixture of LiOH, LiOH.H2O, Li2CO3, Li3N; thin films are opaque to visible light, but are transparent to UV radiation; electrical resistivity at 20 °C: 9.446 microohm cm; first ionization potential: 519 kJ/mol; electron affinity: 52.3 kJ/mol

Lightest and least reactive of the alkali metals; lightest solid element; reacts exothermically with nitrogen in moist air at high temperatures; high electrical conductivity

Heat of solution: -31,500 btu/lb= -17,500 cal/g= -733X10+5 J/kg

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for LITHIUM, ELEMENTAL (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

electron density of states

dielectric constant

electromagnetic induction

optical coefficient

crystal structure

Highly flammable. Is readily ignited by and reacts with most extinguishing agents such as water, carbon dioxide, and carbon tetrachloride [Mellor 2, Supp 2:71. 1961]. Reacts with water to form caustic lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas (H2). Lithium is spontaneously flammable in air if heated to 180 °C if the surface of the metal is clean.

Metals, Alkali, Very Active

Highly Flammable

Strong Reducing Agent

Water-Reactive

Air-Reactive

Burns in air, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. The reactions can become extremely violent at higher temperatures. The disposition to ignite of surfaces of molten lithium exposed to any of these gases is increased by the presence of lithium oxides and nitrides. Lithium reacts avidly with water to generate gaseous hydrogen and a solution of lithium hydroxide (a caustic). Contact with halogenated hydrocarbons can produce extremely violent reactions, especially on impact [Haz. Chem. Data 1966]. Boron trifluoride reacts with incandescence when heated with lithium [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Maleic anhydride decomposes explosively in the presence of lithium [Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-88. 1962, Chem. Haz. Info. Series C-71. 1960]. Chlorine vapors and lithium react producing a luminous flame [Mellor 2, Supp. 1:380. 1956]. The product of the reaction between lithium and carbon monoxide, lithium carbonyl, detonates violently with water, igniting the gaseous products [Mellor 2, Supp. 2:84. 1961]. The reaction of lithium and ferrous sulfide starts around 260 °C with subsequent rise in temperature to 950 °C [Mellor 2, Supp. 2:80. 1961]. A truck, which was carrying lithium batteries, sodium dithionite and derivatives of cyanide, caught fire; multiple explosions occurred as the cargo was exposed to the air.

Reacts with water forming lithium hydroxide and hydrogen. Keep under mineral oil or other liquid free from oxygen or water.

Water. Powdered metal reacts explosively; shavings react violently with hot water, ... vigorously with cold water.

Platinum and molten lithium react violently at 540 °C plus or minus 20 °C. An intermetallic cmpd is formed.

In electric battery systems, lithium is inert to the electrolyte components in absence of carbon, but in presence of over 10% of carbon (pre-mixed by grinding with the metal), contact with the electrolyte mixture leads to ignition or explosion ... Pregrinding lithium with carbon leads to ignition on contact with sulfinyl chloride in electric battery systems.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for LITHIUM, ELEMENTAL (40 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Elemental lithium is a silver white metal; body centered cubic structure it becomes yellowish on exposure to moist air and it reacts with water. It is soluble in liquid ammonia forming a blue solution. It is used in the manufacture of catalysts for polyolefin plastics; in fuels for aircraft and missiles.It is used in metallurgy, as a degasifier, deoxidizer, desulfurizer; as a grain refiner in non-ferrous metals. Chemical intermediate for butyllithium polymerization catalyst; in alloys with aluminum or magnesium for aerospace uses. It is used in the production of tritium, reducing and hydrogenating agents, alloy hardeners, pharmaceuticals and Grignard reagents. Scavenger and degassifier for stainless and mild steels in molten state, modular iron, soaps and greases, deoxidizer in copper and copper alloys, heat-transfer liquid, storage batteries (with sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and chlorine). Rocket propellants, vitamin A synthesis, silver solders, underwater bouyancy devices, nuclear reactor coolent. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Elemental lithium causes severe eye and skin burns. Industrial exposures to lithium may occur during extraction of lithium from its ores, preparation of various lithium compounds, welding, brazing, enameling, and from the use of lithium hydrides. ANIMAL STUDIES: No animal studies could be located.

Due to its narrow therapeutic index, serum levels of lithium exceeding 2 mEq/L are considered toxic, which falls within its therapeutic range. Lithium toxicity can result in interstitial nephritis, arrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome, hypotension, T-wave abnormalities, and bradycardia. In rare instances, toxicity can lead to pseudotumor cerebri and seizures. Notably, there exists no antidote for lithium toxicity. The primary approach to treating lithium toxicity involves hydration and discontinuation of the drug. Administering hydration through normal saline concurrently facilitates lithium excretion. Close monitoring is essential to prevent hypernatremia in patients receiving normal saline. Diuretic use should be avoided for patients on lithium treatment. For mitigating tremors, administering 20 to 30 mg of propranolol twice or thrice daily is recommended.

Recommendations

The guidelines established by EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) are listed below.

* Initiate extracorporeal treatment for patients with severe lithium poisoning presenting with coma, myoclonus, convulsions, or cardiopulmonary collapse.

* Initiate extracorporeal treatment when impaired kidney function is evident, and the lithium concentration surpasses 4 mEq/L. Hemodialysis is also indicated in patients with altered consciousness, seizures, or life-threatening dysrhythmias, regardless of the lithium concentration.

* Consider extracorporeal treatment if the lithium concentration exceeds 5 mEq/L, significant confusion is evident, or the projected duration for reducing the lithium concentration below 1 mEq/L extends beyond 36 hours.

* Continue extracorporeal treatment until clinical improvement or lithium concentration drops below 1 mEq/L. In cases where lithium concentration measurement is unattainable, maintain extracorporeal therapies for at least 6 hours.

* Hemodialysis is the preferred extracorporeal treatment option, although continuous renal replacement therapy is also acceptable.

Please see the StatPearls' companion topic "Lithium Toxicity" for an in-depth discussion regarding the toxic effects of Lithium.

Trace element

Based on PPRTV

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

Liver test abnormalities have been reported to occur in a small proportion of patients on long term therapy with lithium. These abnormalities are usually asymptomatic and transient, reversing even with continuation of medication. Instances of more marked elevations in serum aminotransferases have been reported in patients taking overdoses of lithium, but the other metabolic and systemic effects of lithium overdose generally overshadow hepatic adverse effects. Lithium has not been associated with instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury with jaundice.

Likelihood score: E (unlikely cause of clinically apparent liver injury).

◈ What is lithium?

Lithium is a medication that has been used to treat bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Lithium is sold under many brand names, including Cibalith-S®, Eskalith®, Lithane®, Lithobid® and Lithonate®.Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.Stopping lithium might cause a return of symptoms (relapse), especially if it is stopped quickly. If you keep taking lithium, your healthcare provider can check your blood levels of lithium throughout pregnancy. You might need to increase your dose during pregnancy to prevent relapse. Talk with your healthcare provider about monitoring and adjusting your lithium dose as needed.

◈ I am taking lithium but would like to stop taking it before getting pregnant. How long does the drug stay in my body?

The time it takes to metabolize (to process) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy non-pregnant adults, it takes up to 9 days, on average, for most of the lithium to be gone from the body. Studies have also shown that the longer a person has been on lithium, the longer it might take for their body to clear it completely after stopping the medication.

◈ I take lithium. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if lithium can make it harder to get pregnant.

◈ Does taking lithium increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if lithium can increase the chance of miscarriage. Two studies reported an increase in miscarriage with use of lithium in pregnancy. However, neither study could control for other important factors, such as other medical conditions or other exposures. A third study did not find an increased chance of miscarriage with lithium use. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if a medication, the medical condition being treated, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage.

◈ Does taking lithium increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like lithium, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.Some studies suggest a small increase in the chance of heart defects with the use of lithium in the first trimester, especially a rare heart defect called Ebstein's anomaly (when one of the valves that controls blood flow in the heart forms in a different place than expected). Other studies have not shown an increased chance of Ebstein’s anomaly or other heart defects with the use of lithium.

◈ Does taking lithium in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Some studies suggest that using lithium during pregnancy is associated with an increased chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37). Some studies have reported higher birth weight and low blood sugar in infants following exposure to lithium during pregnancy, while other studies have not reported differences in birth weight. Lithium has not been associated with low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). There are case reports of polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid around the fetus, which can lead to preterm delivery and other pregnancy complications) with the use of lithium in pregnancy.Using lithium during pregnancy might cause goiter (when the thyroid gland grows larger than usual) and hypothyroidism (very low activity of the thyroid gland) in people who are pregnant. There are also case reports of these symptoms in babies exposed to lithium during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and taking lithium, talk with your healthcare provider about having your thyroid function monitored throughout pregnancy so you can be treated, if needed.

◈ I need to take lithium throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause symptoms in my baby after birth?

The use of lithium during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. There have been reports of low muscle tone (floppiness), sedation (sleepiness), trouble with breathing and feeding, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). These symptoms were reported when lithium was used near the time of delivery, especially if the mother’s own blood lithium level was high. Not all babies exposed to lithium will have symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking lithium so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them.

◈ Does taking lithium in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Small studies on children 3 to 15 years old who were exposed to lithium during pregnancy did not find significant differences in physical, mental, or behavioral problems when compared to children who were not exposed to lithium during pregnancy.

◈ What screenings or tests are available to see if my pregnancy has birth defects or other issues?

Prenatal ultrasounds can be used to screen for some birth defects, such as Ebstein’s anomaly. Ultrasound can also be used to monitor the growth of the pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about any prenatal screenings or testing that are available to you. There are no tests available during pregnancy that can tell how much effect there could be on future behavior or learning.

◈ Breastfeeding while taking lithium:

Lithium passes into the breast milk. The amount of lithium that gets into a baby’s blood through breast milk is much less than the amount in the woman’s blood. If you take lithium while breastfeeding, monitor the baby for symptoms such as restlessness, low muscle tone, or trouble feeding. There are a few reports of reversible changes in a baby’s thyroid and kidney function, so it has been recommended to monitor the baby’s lithium level, thyroid function, and kidney function, especially in very young or preterm infants. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider.The product label for lithium recommends not using this medication while breastfeeding. However, the benefit of using lithium and breastfeeding might outweigh possible risks. Continuing to take lithium after delivery lowers the chance of a relapse of bipolar disorder. Postpartum relapses are very serious and can lead to postpartum psychosis, a severe mental health condition. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about using lithium and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

◈ If a man takes lithium, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

There are reports of lower sperm quality and less sperm movement with lithium use in men. One of these reports found no effects on men’s fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant). Lower sex drive was reported in another study, but this is a common side effect of depression and might not be due to lithium. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

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

Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed.

Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.

1.60e+02

2.30e+03

4.00e+01

1.00e+01

1.20e+01

2.00e-03

Volatile

4.70e+02

7.00e+03

1.20e+02

Lithium is widely distributed in nature; trace amounts are found in many minerals, in most rocks and soils, and in many natural waters. Lithium is a member of the alkali metals and does not occur as the free metal in nature. Lithium concentrations in the earth's crust are estimated to be 20 to 70 ppm by weight; it is the 27th most abundant element. Lithium is found in small amounts in nearly all igneous rocks and in the waters of many mineral springs. Lepidolite, spodumene, petalite, and amblygonite are the most important lithium containing minerals. The production and use of lithium compounds in ceramics, glass and primary aluminum production, the manufacture of lubricants and greases, primary and secondary (rechargeable) batteries, the production of synthetic rubber, the manufacture of polyester fiber, the production of antioxidants and antihistamines, as catalysts, and in the treatment of mood disorders may result in the release of lithium compounds to the environment through various waste streams. If release to air lithium compounds should exist in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere since the ionic nature of lithium compounds makes them essentially non-volatile. Particulate-phase lithium may be physically removed from the air by wet and dry deposition. The adsorption of lithium was measured on aquifer material; Freundlich coefficients ranged from 4.5 to 5.5. Lithium has been found to sorb slightly to humic soils with a Kp of 4.6 at pH 5. These data indicate that lithium compounds are not expected to adsorb strongly to soils and sediments. Lithium ion would not be expected to undergo oxidation-reduction reactions under environmental conditions, and would exist in its +1 oxidation state either in compounds or as dissolved ions. The ionic nature of lithium compounds makes them essentially non-volatile; lithium compounds would not volatilized from dry soil surfaces. Due to the ionic nature of lithium compounds, volatilization from moist surfaces will not occur. In water, adsorption to suspended solids and sediments is not expected to be important fate processes for lithium compounds. Lithium ions may undergo precipitation, sorption, or ligand exchange reactions in the environment. Due to the ionic nature of most lithium compounds, volatilization from water surfaces will not occur. Bioconcentration is not expected to be an important fate process due to the ionic nature of lithium compounds. Occupational exposure to lithium compounds may occur through inhalation and dermal contact at workplaces where lithium compounds are produced or used. Since lithium is found various environmental media, the general public would be exposed to small amounts of lithium via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water. (SRC)

Lithium is widely distributed in nature; trace amounts are found in many minerals, in most rocks and soils, and in many natural waters(1). Lithium is a member of the alkali metals and does not occur as the free metal in nature(2). The typical oxidation state of the alkali metals is +1; no other cations are known or expected for the alkali metals(4). Lithium concentrations in the earth's crust are estimated to be 20 to 70 ppm by weight(1); it is the 27th most abundant element(3). Lithium is found in small amounts in nearly all igneous rocks and in the waters of many mineral springs(2). Lepidolite, spodumene, petalite, and amblygonite are the most important lithium containing minerals(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 3,455 workers (1,084 of these are female) are potentially exposed to lithium in the US(1).

Industrial exposures to lithium may occur during extraction of lithium from its ores, preparation of various lithium compounds, welding, brazing, enameling, and from the use of lithium hydrides. /Lithium/

Waste Disposal: Package Lots. Place in a separate labeled container for recycling or disposal by burning. Burn in an open furnace. Use caution and limit to 100 g packages. Small Quantities. Wear eye protection, laboratory coat and nitrile rubber gloves. Work in the fume hood. Equip a 3-necked round-bottom flask with a stirrer, dropping funnel, condenser and heating mantle. Flush the flask with nitrogen and place the lithium (cut in small pieces) in it. Add 30 mL of 95% ethanol per gram of lithium at a rate that causes rapid refluxing. Stirring is started as soon as enough ethanol has been added to make it feasible. The mixture is stirred and heated under reflux until the lithium is dissolved. The heat is turned off, and an equal volume of water is added at a rate that causes no more than mild refluxing. The solution is then cooled, neutralized with 6 M hydrochloric acid (cautiously add a volume of concentrated acid to an equal volume of cold water) and washed down the drain with at least 50 times its volume of water.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 138 SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Fire or Explosion: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

/GUIDE 138 SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 138 SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate the area before entry.

/GUIDE 138 SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for LITHIUM, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1415; Lithium

IMO 4.3; Lithium

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

For more Shipment Methods and Regulations (Complete) data for LITHIUM, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Dangerous When Wet

Airtight.

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

UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: I