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There is no described professional intoxication from the use of this element. Data on its toxicity to man comes from its use as the treatment of choice in manic-depressive states, and from suicidal attempts.
Treatment with lithium carbonate may cause the following:
1. Moderate side-effects
2. More severe side-effects
3. Severe intoxication leads to convulsions and coma, which can be hyperosmolar.
4. Prolonged treatment
Toxic manifestations may occur when the serum concentration exceeds 10.4mg/L. A concentration higher than 25mg/L justifies treatment by dialysis.(1)
The toxic and therapeutic blood levels are very close, so any activity leading to loosing much body water may switch a patient taking lithium carbonate form the therapeutic to the toxic zone, as in sweating excessively in melting departments of steel mills.
Also, many anti-inflammatory drugs raise lithium blood levels of patients and may cause intoxication, one major offender being ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil). It is important to remember this name because it may be sold without a prescription.
Other possible offenders are ketorolac (Toradol), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocid), naproxen (Naprosyn), fenoprofen (Nalfon), celexobib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx). (2)
There is no such thing as a single case of lithium intoxication described in the pertaining literature from the use of it in glaze making or from the use of ceramic wares covered by lithium-containing glazes.
The only lithium compound that is reported as a severe hazard is lithium hydride (LiH), which is used as a condensing agent in chemical synthesis with acid esters and ketones, as a dessicant (a reducing agent), and as a hydrogen source.
The hydride is a severe irritant to skin and mucous membranes because it becomes lithium hydroxide when in contact with the moisture of these structures.(3)
So, if you do not use the hydride, have a nice day.
ReferencesBy Edouard Bastarache
Materials |
Lithium Carbonate
A powerful melter very valuable in ceramic glazes. It is 40% Li2O and has an LOI of 60% (lost as CO2 on firing). This material in now incredibly expensive. |
Materials |
Spodumene
Spodumene is a lithium sourcing feldspar, an alternative to lithium carbonate to supply Li2O to ceramic glazes. Contains up to about 8% Li2O. |
Materials |
Lepidolite
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Hazards |
Lithium Carbonate Toxicity
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Typecodes |
Article by Edouard Bastarache
Edouard Bastarache is a well known doctor that has written many articles on the subject of toxicity of ceramic materials and books on technical aspects of ceramics. He writes in both English and French. |
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