Is Lithium a Poison

A safe blood level of lithium is 0.6 and 1.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Lithium toxicity can happen when this level reaches 1.5 mEq/L or higher. Severe lithium toxicity happens at a level of 2.0 mEq/L and above, which can be life-threatening in rare cases.

Is lithium toxic to humans?

In humans, 5 g of LiCl can result in fatal poisoning. Lithium carbonate is applied in psychiatry in doses close to the maximum intake level. At 10 mg/L of blood, a person is mildly lithium poisoned, at 15 mg/L they experience confusion and speech impairment, and at 20 mg/L Li there is a risk of death.

Is lithium toxicity dangerous?

Indeed, in some cases, lithium toxicity can lead to coma, brain damage, or even death. Moreover, lithium can induce serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal and life-threatening condition[31].