Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LITHIUM CARBONATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in the production of glazes for ceramic and electrical porcelain, as a catalyst in
the production of other lithium compounds, coating of arc welding electrodes, nucleonics,
luminescent paints and dyes, glass ceramics and in aluminium production. A B.P. grade is
used in medicine for the treatment of dementias. Intermediate

SYNONYMS

C-O3.2Li, Li2CO3, "carbonic acid, dilithium salt", Priadel, "carbonic acid, lithium
salt", "quinolum retard", "dilithium carbonate", "CP 15467-61", Camcolit, Lithocarb,
Candamide, Lithinate, Carbolith, NSC-16895, Ceglution, Phenur, Eskalith, Hypnorex, Limas,
Liskonum, Lithane, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs, "lithium carbonate extra pure DAB, Ph
Eur, USP", "Ashland 3514890 120 01S"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  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

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  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.  

INHALED

  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  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

  Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways involving difficult breathing and related systemic problems.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  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.  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 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.  The material may accumulate in the human body and progressively causetissue damage.  Chronic exposure may result in central nervous system changes (blackout spells, epileptic seizures, coma), cardiovascular changes (cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension and circulatory collapse) and irreversible renal damage, even death.