UN 1605 — Ethylene dibromide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1605 is Ethylene dibromide, a toxic halogenated liquid assigned to ERG Guide 154. It is dense, nonflammable and can create heavy vapor and contaminated-runoff hazards.
Hazard overview: UN 1605 presents toxic vapor, skin contact and dense-liquid contamination hazards. Heating or fire may produce hydrogen bromide and other toxic/corrosive gases.
Response guidance: For a UN 1605 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 154. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1605 should emphasize heavy vapor movement, dense liquid behavior, toxic halogenated decomposition products, skin exposure control and runoff containment. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethylene dibromide 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, concentration, 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: Ethylene dibromide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from heat, oxidizers and incompatible metals or bases where listed by SDS. Secondary containment should account for dense liquid and toxic runoff.
UN 1605 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1605
- TOXIC halogenated liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury.
- Vapors are much heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Liquid is denser than water and may sink, spreading contamination below the surface.
- Non-flammable, but heating or fire may produce hydrogen bromide and other toxic/corrosive gases.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can continue exposure.
- Runoff may carry toxic contamination to drains or waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and non-flammable.
| Also known as | 1,2-DibromoethaneEDBEthylene bromideDibromoethanesym-Dibromoethane |
| CAS Number | 106-93-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and non-flammable. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable liquid) |
| Boiling Point | 131C (268F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.5 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; slightly soluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1605
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing for vapor, liquid, fire or confined-space exposure. Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations; avoid all skin contact and contaminated clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1605 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1605 — Ethylene dibromideUse 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.