Lithium

Like all alkali metals, lithium reacts easily in water and does not occur freely in nature due to its activity. Lithium is a moderately abundant element and its present in the Earth’s crust in 65 ppm (parts per million). Lithium is easily adsorbed by plants and the amount of lithium in plants varies widely. While the lithium surface becomes coated with a mixture of lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, and lithium nitride (Li3N), lithium hydroxide represents a potentially significant hazard because it is extremely corrosive. Special attention should be given to water organisms.

Many reactions of lithium may cause fire or explosion when exposed to Lithium. It gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. There is risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances and water. On inhalation it gives burning sensation, coughs, labored breathing, shortness of breath, and sore throat. However, the symptoms may be delayed. When it comes in contact of the skin, the skin becomes red. On ingestion, there are chances of abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, burning sensation, nausea, shock or collapse, vomiting, and weakness. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema. The symptoms of lung oedema are often not manifested until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort.

Rest and medical observation is, therefore, essential in all cases of probable actions of lithium. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Inhalation due to evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed. Heating the element may cause violent combustion or explosion. The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air when finely dispersed. Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. It reacts violently with strong oxidants, acids and many compounds causing fire and explosion hazards. It also reacts violently with water, forming highly flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes of lithium hydroxide.

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