UN 1334 — Naphthalene, refined
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1334 is Naphthalene, refined, a Class 4 flammable organic solid assigned to ERG Guide 133. It is best known as refined naphthalene, a mothball-like solid that can sublime and create irritating vapors.
Hazard overview: UN 1334 presents flammable solid, vapor irritation and smoke hazards. Naphthalene can give off aromatic vapors in warm or enclosed areas, and fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
Response guidance: For a UN 1334 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid unnecessary disturbance of powder or damaged packaging, and use only extinguishing agents compatible with the specific material.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1334 should emphasize dust fire behavior, rapid surface burning, smoke exposure, compatible extinguishment and avoiding dust cloud generation. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Naphthalene, refined is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Naphthalene, refined should be stored in compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Prevent dust release, friction, impact and unauthorized access.
UN 1334 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1334
- FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE organic solid; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors from subliming material may be heavier than air and may irritate or harm responders in enclosed spaces.
- Dust or powder may burn rapidly if dispersed.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic smoke.
- Skin contact or inhalation exposure should be minimized; verify toxicity from SDS.
- Runoff from fire control may carry contaminated residue.
- Containers or bags may fail when exposed to fire.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline solid with a distinctive mothball odor. Sublimes at room temperature, producing characteristic aromatic vapors.
| Also known as | mothballswhite tarnaphthalintar camphormoth flakes |
| CAS Number | 91-20-3 |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid with a distinctive mothball odor. Sublimes at room temperature, producing characteristic aromatic vapors. |
| Flash Point | 79-87C (174-189F) |
| Boiling Point | 218C (424F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water, no significant reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1334
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, smoke, dust or confined-space exposure. Gloves, eye protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid dust generation and contaminated residue contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1334 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading powder during movement or cleanup.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or fire area and expand the perimeter if large quantities, dust clouds or fire involvement are present.
- Use ERG Guide 133, shipping papers, SDS and incident command for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1334 — Naphthalene, refinedUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.