Lithium is a chemical element that has been gaining in importance and popularity in recent times. Demand for lithium around the world is increasing and it gets more and more as the years go by. Especially due to its common use when making batteries and electronic vehicles. It can be used in multiple ways and for countless purposes, which is why it has become very popular in today's society.
From a pharmaceutical point of view, lithium is used to treat various mental disorders. as is the case of bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat other pathologies that have to do with the mental and emotional state. In the following article we talk about the different uses of lithium and its possible side effects.
What is lithium
Lithium is a compound found in volcanic areas and in the salt flats. It has a silver color although at first glance it may appear to be white. It is a metal that is soft to the touch and usually oxidizes when it comes into direct contact with water and air. On the other hand, it has properties that are alkaline and diamagnetic.
It is a chemical element that It is quite reactive and explosive as well as flammable, Therefore, its management must be carried out by professionals on the subject. Regarding its use, it is usually used in the construction industry, to make batteries or when treating various emotional and mental pathologies.
What are the uses of lithium
Lithium is usually used mainly in the field of mental health. It provides a series of effects that help maintain a certain balance in the mood of people who suffer from certain disorders. It has been proven that it is quite effective when it comes to treating a disorder as common as bipolar. Lithium allows you to reduce your own symptoms that the person suffering from said bipolar disorder suffers.
Apart from this, it is a chemical compound that is used as a preventive measure in possible manic-type episodes. The properties of lithium allow it to directly treat a mental problem as serious as depression. It is also often used for other pathologies such as schizophrenia.
Other uses of lithium
Apart from being used to treat certain mental disorders such as depression or bipolarity, Lithium is also often used when making lubricant products that will be exposed to fairly high temperatures. As it has drying properties, lithium is used to absorb moisture that may be in certain spaces.
Lithium is also usually used to extract a compound such as carbon dioxide, which is why it is usually used when purifying areas and spaces such as submarines. It is also a compound widely used in the aeronautical industry.
In recent years, lithium has become quite popular for being used to make electric batteries. Thanks to lithium, these batteries have a much longer life than before and work much better than batteries from years ago.
What are the side effects of lithium
Lithium consumption should be carried out according to the guidelines indicated by a professional on the subject. In the event of suffering any type of side effect It is important to consult a specialist on the subject. Ingesting lithium usually produces a series of side effects such as: a feeling of thirst, tremors in the hands, dry mouth, hair loss, inflammation of the lips or rashes and swelling in various areas of the body.
Lithium can also cause severe joint pain and significant depressive states. They are also normal stomach pains, changes in weight or loss of appetite. It is important to go to the specialist when the person suffers from movements that they are not able to control, when they are very thirsty or when they feel weak and without strength throughout the day.
It is also important to go to the doctor as quickly as possible, when dizziness, tachycardia in the chest or hands and feet go numb. It is essential to pay attention when severe headaches or hallucinations occur.
How lithium is extracted
lithium It is very complicated and difficult to find as such in nature. That is why it is found in the form of a salt component. Lithium is extracted from three types of deposits: brines, pegmatites and sedimentary rocks. Brine deposits comprise more than 65% of lithium resources worldwide. These brines are found mainly in the salt flats of Chile, Argentina and China.
The composition of the different brines will vary considerably with regard to lithium content. Other minerals such as chlorine, calcium or iron are also present, so each brine will have to be treated. individually and privately.
Precautions when using lithium
Lithium is an alkaline type metal so in its pure state It is a flammable and explosive material. Apart from this, it is a highly corrosive compound so the means when handling it must be correct and adequate. It is not advisable to use lithium inside the home unless the person has good scientific and chemical knowledge.
In short, lithium It is one of the most important chemical elements for society. As you have seen, it is a fairly reactive alkaline metal that is usually used mainly to make electric batteries and in the field of mental health when treating disorders such as bipolar.