MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I        PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:       Lithium Hydride                                                Chemical Family:           Alkali Hydride

Formula:          LiH                                                            Synonyms:                  Lithium Monohydride

CAS #:            7580-67-8





II       HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



%                 OSHA/PEL                   ACGIG/TLV

                  0.025 mg/m3                0.025 mg/m3

100





III      PHYSICAL DATA



                           Decomposes above 720 oC                                                                   686 oC

Boiling Point:                                                                   Freezing/Melting Point:

Solubility in H2O:         Reacts violently                                      % Volatiles by Weight:              N/A

Vapor Pressure:            Essentially 0                                         Specific Gravity (H2O = 1):         0.8 gm/cc

Appearance and Odor:       White crystalline solid, powder, no odor              Evaporation Rate:                   N/A





IV       FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



                                                                                 Autoignition Temperature: 200 oC

Flash Point (Method Used): N/A

Flammable Limits in Air: N/A Upper: N/A



Extinguishing Media: Flammable solid. Do not use water, carbon dioxide or halogen extinguishers. Use graphite or dry lithium

chloride.



Special Firefighting Procedures: Use normal firefighting procedures which include wearing NIOSH/MSHA approved self-con-

tained breathing apparatus, flame and chemical resistant clothing; hats, boots and gloves. If without risk remove material from fire

area.



Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: Lithium hydride is a flammable solid and is water reactive. It reacts with water/moisture to give

off corrosive lithium hydroxide and flammable hydrogen gas. May ignite spontaneously in air at elevated temperatures. May reignite

after fire is initially extinguished.





V        HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



                                                                        Other: Inhalation - rat LC50: 10 mg/m3/4 hours

Animal Toxicity: LD50: No data               LC50: No data



Effects of Overexposure: Acute:



Ingestion: Corrosive. Ingestion can damage mucus membranes and other tissue with which contact is made.

Skin Contact: Corrosive. Causes irritation or burns.

Eye Contact: Corrosive. Causes irritation or burns. May cause blindness.

Inhalation: Corrosive. Causes damage to nose, upper respiratory tract and lungs.

Medical Conditions, if any, Aggravated by the Chemical: None known.



Other Health Hazards: None known.

Most Likely Routes of Entry: Ingestion

Chronic Effects:



Ingestion: Lithium ion has CNS toxicity. Large doses of lithium compounds have caused dizziness and prostration. May cause

kidney damage, anorexia, nausea, apathy, coma and death.



Skin Contact: May cause dermatitis                                              Eye Contact: None known

Inhalation: May cause effects similar to those of chronic ingestion



Other: None known

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: No          EPA: No



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



INGESTION: If swallowed, DO NOT induce vomiting. Give large quantities of water or milk if available. Call a physician

immediately. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, flood skin with large amounts of water. Seek immediate medical attention.

EYE: Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids, with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician immedi-

ately.

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. Support respiration if necessary. Call a physician.





VI      REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Water, humid air, moisture, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, liquid oxygen, dinitrogen

oxide



Hazardous Decomposition Products: Lithium hydroxide, lithium oxide, hydrogen gas

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur



Other: Lithium hydride is a flammable solid and is water reactive. It reacts with water/moisture to give off corrosive lithium

hydroxide and flammable hydrogen gas.





VII      SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES



Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Eliminate all sources of ignition. Wearing full protective equipment,

cover spill with dry sand or vermiculite. Mix well and carefully transfer to a container.



Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Federal, State and Local waste disposal regulations.





VIII     SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION





Ventilation Requirements: Handle in a glove bag or box with a dry, inert atmosphere.



Respiratory Protection: High efficiency particle respirator.                    Protective Gloves: Rubber

Eye/Face Protection: ANSI approved safety goggles

IX      SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Handling and Storage: Store under a dry, inert atmosphere. Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.

Wash thoroughly after use. Empty container may contain hazardous residues. Flammable solid, dangerous upon contact with water.

Transportation Requirements:



Other Precautions: Lab coat and apron, flame and chemical resistant coveralls, eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench

shower and hygienic facilities for washing.



RCRA Code: D001, D002, D003

TSCA Registered: Yes



Precautionary Labeling: Danger: Flammable, burns skin and eyes.





Prepared by:     S. Dierks

Dated:           October 1995