Lithium oxide

Synonyms

Dilithium monoxide; Lithia; Dilithium oxide; [ChemIDplus] UN3262

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

White hygroscopic solid; [CHEMINFO] White odorless powder; Decomposes in water; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a carbon dioxide absorbent and to make specialty glasses and ceramics; [CHEMINFO] Produced along with lithium hydroxide when lithium-aluminum alloys are heated by welding or cutting; [AIHA]

Comments

A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline] Lithium oxide forms lithium hydroxide, a corrosive, in the presence of moisture; Rats inhaling lithium combustion aerosols at 570-1500 mg/m3 for 14 days had coughing, respiratory distress, and showed predominantly laryngeal, but also pulmonary lesions; [AIHA] See "Lithium."

Biomedical References

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Corrosive solid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s."

Ceiling = 1 mg/m3

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Gas Welding and Cutting
• Glass Manufacturing
• Welding

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making