Toxicology
Lithium metallurgy

Most inorganic lithium compounds are moderately toxic. In humans, the lethal dose of lithium carbonate is 7 mg/kg, and that of lithium chloride is of the same order of magnitude. Both lithium hydroxide and chloride attack the skin (burns, dehydration). . Lithium carbonate and citrate, which are highly effective in the treatment of manic-depressive illnesses, must be used in a very narrow field, otherwise they can cause serious side effects.