Lithiumcarbonate and lithiumchloride: Evaluation of the effects on reproduction, recommendation for

On request of the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, the Health Council of the Netherlands evaluates the effects on the reproduction of substances at the workplace. The Health Council’s Committee for Compounds Toxic to Reproduction recommends a classification for compounds toxic to reproduction according to Directive 93/21/EEC of the European Union. In the present report the committee has reviewed lithiumcarbonate and lithiumchloride.

The committee’s recommendations are:

• For effects on fertility, the committee recommends to classify lithiumcarbonate and lithiumchloride in category 3 (Substances which cause concern for human fertility) and to label the compounds with R62 (Possible risk for impaired fertility).

• For developmental toxicity, the committee recommends to classify lithiumcarbonate and lithiumchloride in category 1 (Substances known to cause developmental toxicity in humans) and to label the compounds with R61 (May cause harm to the unborn child).

• For effects during lactation, the committee recommends that lithiumcarbonate and lithiumchloride should be labelled with R64 (May cause harm to breastfed babies).

Committee