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Chemical Name: Lithium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: Li2CO3
Appearance: White, odorless powder
Odor: None detectable
Common Uses: Medicine for bipolar disorder, key material in rechargeable batteries, chemical manufacturing
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in hot water
Synonyms: Dilithium carbonate
Molecular Weight: 73.89
CAS Number: 554-13-2
Acute Health Hazards: Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, tremors; inhalation irritates nose, throat, and lungs; eye and skin contact may cause redness and pain
Chronic Health Hazards: Prolonged exposure may affect kidney function, thyroid, nervous system
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Not flammable, but may decompose at high temperatures, releasing toxic fumes
Target Organs: Central nervous system, kidneys, thyroid, heart
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as carcinogenic by major agencies
Chemical: Lithium carbonate
Concentration: Over 99 percent in pure product
Other Possible Ingredients: Minor trace impurities from manufacturing, often not specified in commerce for general laboratory or industrial grades
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if easy
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink some water if person is conscious, call medical help through professional routes
Observing Symptoms: Always watch for dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath after suspected exposure and do not delay seeking help
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for nearby material; lithium carbonate itself does not burn
Specific Hazards: Containers may burst when heated; toxic lithium oxide fumes possible above 723°C
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit because of irritating smoke risk
Special Precautions: Move containers from fire area when safe, keep runoff water from entering drains
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area well, use protective gloves and goggles
Spill Cleanup: Scoop carefully into a labeled container; use a vacuum with HEPA filter for fine dust if available
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to waterways; lithium and carbonate ions may be harmful to aquatic life
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations, minimize dust generation at every stage
Safe Handling: Always work in a well-ventilated space, keep away from food and drinks, avoid creating airborne powder
Storage: Store in a cool, dry area, away from acids; tightly close containers to prevent moisture uptake
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, water-reactive materials, strong oxidizing agents
Advice: Never eat, drink, or smoke while working with materials; wash hands thoroughly after handling
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation strongly recommended, use containment devices when weighing or dispensing
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask for dusty conditions, respirator for larger spills
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles at minimum, full-face shield for extensive exposure
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat or protective clothing
Exposure Limits: ACGIH recommends threshold limit value of 10 mg/m3 for nuisance particulates, but direct lithium limits often absent; err on the side of caution
Physical State: Fine or crystalline white powder
Melting Point: 723°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: About 2.11 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable; solid at room temperature
pH (water suspension): Alkaline; expect 11-12 for saturated solution
Odor Threshold: None reported; odorless
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, degrades above 723°C
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide, forms lithium salts
Hazardous Decomposition: Lithium oxide, carbon dioxide upon strong heating
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, moist environments, strong oxidizers
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Short-Term Effects: Irritation, abdominal pain, effects on nervous system
Long-Term Effects: Risk to kidneys, thyroid, memory, tremor if exposed repeatedly
Medical Attention: Lithium overdose requires urgent care; toxicity signs range from confusion to irregular heartbeat and seizures
Population Risks: People with kidney disease, heart issues, pregnant women face greater effects
Animal Data: High doses in animal studies linked to fetal effects and toxicity at certain exposure levels
Ecotoxicity: Lithium ions may affect aquatic life at moderate concentrations
Persistence: Not readily degradable by natural processes
Bioaccumulation: Low potential but limited studies exist
Mobility: Lithium and carbonate move freely in water; risk for groundwater in spill events
Special Note: Contaminated runoff into waterways carries risk of disrupting aquatic ecosystems and reducing freshwater organism diversity
Disposal Methods: Treat as a hazardous chemical; neutralize and dispose through licensed waste handlers
Avoid: Discharge into sewer systems, natural watercourses, or open land
Containers: Triple-rinse empty containers before disposal, puncture or destroy to prevent reuse
Regulations: Follow local, regional, and national guidelines for hazardous waste
UN Number: Often not regulated for transport as a hazardous material, but check for specific country rules on lithium compounds
Packaging: Use sealed, clearly labeled containers; keep separate from acids during shipment
Precautions: Prevent breakage, moisture contact and dust emission during handling
Labeling: Use chemical name, hazard statements, and emergency warnings as required by regulation
Occupational Safety: Subject to workplace exposure limits for particulates and lithium in some regions
Environmental Laws: Spills and discharges covered by hazardous materials statutes
Chemical Inventories: Listed on many national inventories including TSCA and REACH
Consumer Products: Restrictions apply for medicines, industrial and consumer batteries
Employer Responsibilities: Provide training, safety gear, and exposure monitoring for workers
