The production of lithium (Li) increased by 256% in recent years due to unprecedented demands from technological industries. Intensive harvesting poses serious impacts on the sustainability of Li production. Herein, we address the global Li cycle and predict the peak production to reach 740000 million tons in 2041. Global Li accumulation in water bodies is mapped, and the consequences on human health of a wide range (<0.06–>20 mg L⁻¹) of Li concentrations in drinking water are explored. The implications to human health of Li exposure remains unresolved and needs further investigation. There are still no recommendations on safe limits of Li in drinking water for humankind. In conclusion, there is an emergency call to health governing bodies, environmental protection agencies and scientific communities for urgent efforts on sustainable production of Li and identify their thresholds levels in drinking water to minimize the emerging consequences of Li on humans.

近年来，由于科技行业前所未有的需求，锂 (Li) 的产量增长了 256%。集约化采伐对锂生产的可持续性造成严重影响。在此，我们解决了全球锂循环问题，并预测 2041 年的峰值产量将达到 7400 亿吨。绘制了全球水体中锂的积累图，以及对人类健康的广泛影响（<0.06–>20 mg L ^-1) 探讨了饮用水中 Li 的浓度。锂暴露对人类健康的影响仍未解决，需要进一步调查。目前还没有关于人类饮用水中锂的安全限值的建议。总之，紧急呼吁卫生管理机构、环境保护机构和科学界紧急努力实现锂的可持续生产，并确定其在饮用水中的阈值水平，以最大限度地减少锂对人类的新影响。