Where It Comes From
Naturally occurs in rocks and groundwater; released by mining/brine extraction, metal processing, and battery manufacturing or recycling [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water with elevated lithium; taking prescription lithium medicines; breathing or touching lithium dust or mists at work in mining, processing, or battery plants [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Short-term high doses can cause nausea, tremor, confusion; long-term exposure may lead to hypothyroidism and reduced kidney function. Lithium crosses the placenta and enters breast milk [1][2][4][5].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling lithium compounds; people on lithium therapy; pregnant people, infants, and those with kidney disease or dehydration (which raises blood lithium) [1][2][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test private well water in lithium-rich areas; if prescribed lithium, follow medical monitoring (regular blood, kidney, and thyroid checks); use workplace protections and hygiene; recycle batteries properly—do not burn or dismantle them [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Lithium. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]WHO. Lithium in Drinking-water: Background document for WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
- [3]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Lithium (metal).
- [4]NTP. Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Lithium Carbonate.
- [5]EPA. Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTV) for Lithium Salts.