Case histories described by Gosselin et al. Toxic effects that may appear after prolonged therapeutic use may include neurological symptoms, changes in kidney function, hypothyroidism, and leukocytosis. The nervous system is the primary target organ of lithium toxicity. Evidence also suggests that women on lithium therapy may have a higher risk of premature births. Subchronic and chronic oral RfDs have not been derived for lithium.
Limited information is available on the inhalation toxicity of lithium compounds.
Lithium hydride is a respiratory tract irritant. Lithium combustion aerosols are also respiratory tract irritants. In addition, subchronic and chronic inhalation RfCs have not been derived for lithium. Little information was found in the available literature on the carcinogenicity of lithium compounds. However, three patients on chronic lithium therapy developed leukemia, and one developed a thyroid tumor.