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Chemical Name: Lithium Hydroxide
Common Form: White crystalline solid or monohydrate powder
CAS Number: 1310-66-3
Synonyms: Lithium hydrate
Main Uses: In batteries, ceramics, lubricating greases, and as an industrial chemical for air purification systems
Main Risks: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; can cause burns and severe irritation; toxic if swallowed or inhaled; contact may result in permanent tissue damage
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure can trigger dermatitis, irritation of mucus membranes, and potentially kidney injury
Environmental Risks: Harmful to aquatic life in concentrated form, raising ongoing concerns from environmental authorities
Main Ingredient: Lithium Hydroxide (chemical formula: LiOH or LiOH.H2O for hydrate form)
Impurities: Trace amounts of sodium, potassium, and calcium compounds sometimes present from manufacture
Purity: Varies depending on application, generally above 95% for industrial uses
Inhalation: Move affected person outdoors or to fresh air; persistent irritation means seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Flush area under running water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing promptly; deep burns or redness means get immediate help
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes continuously with water; hold eyelids open and keep flushing; medical help is necessary
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; consult medical professionals without delay
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam; water spray may spread corrosive runoff
Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce hazardous fumes, including lithium oxide and steam; corrosive vapors a concern in confined spaces
Protective Measures: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Unusual Hazards: In contact with water, especially in fire, exothermic reaction possible, and releases caustic mist
Spill Handling: Evacuate area of non-essential personnel; prevent dust build-up and avoid breathing vapors
Containment: Use dry, inert material to confine; do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper gear
Clean-Up: Collect in suitable container for disposal; flush residues with large water amounts, but avoid flow into drains
Protective Equipment: Acid-resistant gloves, face shield, and a fitted respirator in case of dust
Handling: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and work under well-ventilated conditions; keep container closed between uses
Storage: Store in cool, dry, tightly closed containers, away from acids and moisture; metal corrosion happens, so use plastic or lined drums
Special Notes: Always use corrosion-resistant tools and containers; residue buildup inside storage areas can lead to dangerous concentrations
Workplace Limits: Recommended exposure limit often set at 1 mg/m³ for an 8-hour shift by OSHA, but requirements can differ by country
Ventilation: Local exhaust preferred for dust control; industrial settings rely on mechanical extraction
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, full face shield for splash risk, and long-sleeved protective clothing standard practice
Respiratory Protection: Disposable respirator with P2 dust filter in operations with airborne material; emergency measures require a full-face respirator or air-supplied system
Appearance: White, odorless crystals or fine powder
Molecular Weight: 23.95 (anhydrous)
pH Range: Strongly alkaline, pH above 13 in 1% water solution
Water Solubility: Soluble, exothermic reaction upon dissolving
Melting Point: 462°C (anhydrous); lower for monohydrate
Decomposition: Emits toxic fumes when heated beyond melting point or on contact with acids
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; exposure to moisture leads to clumping and possible heat release
Incompatible Materials: Reacts with acids, organic materials, and certain metals yielding hazardous gases
Hazardous Reaction: Violent reaction with water or moisture; emits lithium oxide fumes under fire
Acute Effects: Strong corrosive action on skin and eyes, burns, coughing, shortness of breath from inhalation
Oral Toxicity: Doses over a few grams may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
Chronic Exposure: Chronic low-level exposure may cause headache, tremors, kidney issues, or signs of lithium toxicity
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic, but no long-term studies conclusively ruled out every risk
Other Routes: Direct contact produces chemical burns, especially on eyes or mucous membranes
Aquatic Toxicity: High concentrations damage aquatic environments and threaten fish populations
Soil Impact: Alters soil chemistry, risks for plant growth at spill sites
Persistence and Degradability: Dissolves rapidly in water, can persist if deposited in high concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate in food webs but lithium ions persist in environment
Preferred Disposal: Send waste or contaminated packaging to licensed chemical landfill or incinerator
Reuse/Recycling: Process residuals in line with national and local regulations; avoid dilution and landfill for bulk quantities
Sewer Prohibition: Do not allow large amounts down drains due to caustic and aquatic toxicity risk
UN Number: 2680 for Lithium Hydroxide; considered a Class 8 Corrosive substance
Packaging Recommendations: Use non-reactive, sealed containers lined with plastic; prevent contact with metal where possible
Labeling: Must display corrosive symbol and hazard statements; international shipments involve extra restrictions and documentation
REACH Registration: Required in the EU for import and use; SDS and hazard communication must comply
Toxic Substance Control Act: Registered for industrial use in the US, with use restrictions for residential applications
Worker Safety: Employers provide training and maintain records on exposure and control practices per OSHA or relevant authority regulations
Waste Monitoring: Facilities generating lithium hydroxide waste expected to file annual reports in several jurisdictions
