UN 1693 — Tear gas substance, liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 159. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1693 is Tear gas substance, liquid, n.o.s., a toxic lachrymator material assigned to ERG Guide 159. It can cause intense tearing, eye pain and respiratory irritation, especially in enclosed or low areas.
Hazard overview: UN 1693 presents irritant vapor/aerosol, toxic exposure and contaminated-runoff hazards. Effects may be brief outdoors, but enclosed-space exposure can be severe.
Response guidance: For a UN 1693 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 159. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust, vapor or aerosol exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1693 should emphasize lachrymator vapor/aerosol behavior, low-area accumulation, respiratory/eye protection, decontamination and downwind control. Use ERG 159, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Tear gas substance, liquid, n.o.s. 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: Tear gas substance, liquid, n.o.s. should be stored in secure, compatible containers or approved device packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources where relevant, oxidizers and unauthorized access. Prevent damaged packaging, leaks, aerosol release and contaminated residues.
UN 1693 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1693
- TOXIC lachrymator material; vapor, aerosol or dust can cause intense eye and respiratory irritation.
- May cause burning eyes, tearing, coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
- Vapors or aerosols may be heavier than air and collect in low or enclosed areas.
- Some formulations may burn, but they generally do not ignite readily.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff or residues may spread irritant contamination.
- Exposure in enclosed areas can be much more harmful than brief outdoor exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Liquid of varying color depending on specific agent, typically colorless to yellow or brown. Pungent, irritating odor. Liquid state at room temperature.
| Also known as | Lachrymator liquidLacrimator substance liquidIrritant agent liquidRiot control agent liquidCS agent liquidCN agent liquid |
| Appearance | Liquid of varying color depending on specific agent, typically colorless to yellow or brown. Pungent, irritating odor. Liquid state at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically 25-80C (77-176F) depending on solvent and active agent |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation, typically 150-250C (302-482F) depending on carrier solvent |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 3-5 times air density) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though may form emulsions or suspensions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1693
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for high concentrations, smoke, aerosol, fire or enclosed-space exposure. Full-face respiratory protection and chemical-resistant clothing should be selected by SDS and incident command; protect eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1693 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, mist, aerosol or smoke 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 vapor, dust, aerosol, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 159, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1693 — Tear gas substance, liquid, n.o.s.Use 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.