UN 1659 — Nicotine tartrate
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1659 is Nicotine tartrate, a highly toxic nicotine material assigned to ERG Guide 151. Skin absorption is a major responder concern, especially with liquids, solutions, salts or contaminated solids.
Hazard overview: UN 1659 presents toxic dermal absorption, ingestion, inhalation and contaminated-runoff hazards. Flammability depends on the formulation, but fire can produce toxic smoke and contaminated water.
Response guidance: For a UN 1659 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. 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 1659 should emphasize rapid dermal absorption, vapor/mist control, decontamination, contaminated clothing control and formulation-dependent flammability. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nicotine tartrate 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: Nicotine tartrate should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from heat, oxidizers, incompatible chemicals, food/feed and unauthorized access. Prevent leaks, contaminated packaging and skin-contact exposure.
UN 1659 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1659
- HIGHLY TOXIC nicotine material; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Skin contact can be a major exposure route, especially with liquid, solution or contaminated solids.
- Vapors or mist may be heavier than air and collect in low or confined areas when heated or released.
- Combustibility depends on formulation; pure nicotine is combustible and many preparations may burn under fire conditions.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may spread toxic nicotine contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to off-white crystalline powder or solid. Odorless or slight characteristic odor. Solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Nicotine bitartrateNicotine acid tartrateNicotine hydrogen tartrateTartaric acid nicotine salt |
| CAS Number | 65-31-6 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder or solid. Odorless or slight characteristic odor. Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves in water; no violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1659
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protective clothing selected by hazmat specialists. Level A or B may be needed depending on release size and concentration; prevent skin contact because nicotine can be absorbed rapidly through skin.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1659 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.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- 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 dust, vapor, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1659 — Nicotine tartrateUse 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.