ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
LITHIUM CARBONATE (Li2CO3)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid contact with eyes.
Avoid prolonged skin contact.
Possible mutagen - should not be handled by pregnant staff.
Carcinogen, handle with care.
CHARACTERISTICS
White odourless granules, stable, nonflammable compound.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Possible mutagen so should not be handled by pregnant staff
particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy. There are
reports of lithium carbonate having carcinogenic properties it
should therefore be handled with extreme care. Irritation will
result from eye contact or prolonged skin contact. Harmful if
ingested or inhaled. (Is used in the treatment of manic
depressive conditions usual dose approximately 1,000 mg per
day. LD 50 equivalent to approximately 35,000 mg. Neither OSHA
or ACGIH lists a threshold limit value, but FOOTE recommends
that exposure not exceed 5 mg/m3, the ACGIH limit for
nuisance dust. FOOTE also recommends that pregnant women in 1st
trimester be excluded from processes where exposure is in excess
of 5 mg/m3).
TREATMENT Skin remove contaminated clothing and wash affected
area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water
until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (15
minutes). If sensitisation occurs seek medical attention. Wash
contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
advice.
Ingestion if swallowed, induce vomiting by sticking finger
down throat. Seek medical advice. Inhalation remove to fresh
air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Seek
medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Incompatible with concentrated acids. STORAGE
No special precautions.
HANDLING
Under conditions in which lithium carbonate dust levels exceed 5
mg/m3 use NIOSH approved dust respirator. Goggles,
gloves and long sleeved laboratory coat should be worn as a
minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Solid: collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water.
Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and
discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution: cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of
water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a
fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight
excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let
stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and
neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT:
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