LITHIUM HYDRIDE
Flammability | 2 | |
Toxicity | 2 | |
Body Contact | 4 | |
Reactivity | 2 | |
Chronic | 2 | |
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4 |
Reducing agent; condensing agent with ketones and acid esters; desiccant.
LiH
Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Reacts violently with water liberating extremely flammable gases.
Flammable.
The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion. 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.
The material can produce severe 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 can produce severe 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.
If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.
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.