UN 1889 — Cyanogen bromide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 157. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1889 is Cyanogen bromide, an extremely toxic corrosive cyanogen halide assigned to ERG Guide 157. Moisture can release hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen bromide, so isolation and air monitoring are critical.
Hazard overview: UN 1889 presents cyanide-type inhalation, corrosive fume, water-reaction and contaminated-runoff hazards. Odor is not a reliable warning for exposure.
Response guidance: For a UN 1889 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 157. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1889 should emphasize cyanogen halide toxicity, hydrogen cyanide release, water/moisture reaction, odor unreliability, air monitoring, Level A entry decisions and decontamination. Use ERG 157, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Cyanogen bromide 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: Cyanogen bromide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers/reducing agents where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1889 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1889
- EXTREMELY TOXIC and CORROSIVE cyanogen halide; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may be fatal.
- Reacts with water or moist air to release hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen bromide fumes.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Moisture contact may increase toxic/corrosive fuming and heat.
- Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry cyanide/bromide contamination.
- Odor is not a reliable warning for toxic exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to white crystalline solid with a pungent, penetrating odor. Highly toxic and corrosive material that fumes in moist air.
| Also known as | Bromine cyanideCyanobromideBromocyanideCampilit |
| CAS Number | 506-68-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to white crystalline solid with a pungent, penetrating odor. Highly toxic and corrosive material that fumes in moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | 61.6C (143F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water or moist air releasing toxic hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen bromide gases with heat generation |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1889
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and fully encapsulating chemical protective clothing for close entry or unknown concentrations. Level A may be needed; decontamination should address highly toxic/corrosive residues and runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1889 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 or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water and moisture away from released product unless incident command confirms a compatible cooling or control use.
- Monitor for hydrogen cyanide where available; odor is not a reliable warning.
- 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, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 157, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1889 — Cyanogen bromideUse 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.