Toxicity Lithium aluminum hydride is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Contact with moisture forms lithium hydroxide, which can cause severe burns. Powdered LAH forms dusts that can pose an inhalation hazard. Ingestion of this substance may cause aching muscles, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and unconsciousness and may be fatal.
Ingestion can result in gas embolism due to the formation of hydrogen.
No chronic effects of lithium aluminum hydride have been identified. Flammability and Explosibility Lithium aluminum hydride is a highly flammable solid and may ignite in moist or heated air. Exposure to water results in the release of hydrogen, which can be ignited by the heat from the exothermic reaction. The decomposition products of LAH can be quite explosive, and the products of its reaction with carbon dioxide have been reported to be explosive. Use dry chemical powder or sand to extinguish fires involving lithium aluminum hydride.