UN 1908 — Chlorite solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1908 is Chlorite solution, a corrosive oxidizing chlorite solution assigned to ERG Guide 154. Acid contact can release chlorine dioxide or chlorine-type toxic gases.
Hazard overview: UN 1908 presents corrosive solution, oxidizer, toxic gas release and incompatible-mixing hazards. Keep acids, reducing agents, organics and fuels away.
Response guidance: For a UN 1908 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 incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1908 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Chlorite solution 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: Chlorite solution should be stored in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment, away from incompatible chemicals, heat and unauthorized access. Follow SDS for oxidizers, acids, bases, solvents or toxic ingredients in the specific product.
UN 1908 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1908
- CORROSIVE oxidizing chlorite solution; contact may injure eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Acid contact can release chlorine dioxide or chlorine-type toxic gases.
- May react dangerously with reducing agents, organics, fuels or incompatible cleaners.
- Heating or decomposition may produce toxic oxidizing gases.
- Runoff may be corrosive, oxidizing and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Exact concentration and stabilizer package should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to slightly yellow-green liquid with a faint chlorine-like odor. Aqueous solution of an oxidizing salt, typically 25-40% concentration.
| Also known as | Sodium chlorite solutionChlorous acid sodium salt solutionTextoneChlorite liquor |
| CAS Number | 7758-19-2 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellow-green liquid with a faint chlorine-like odor. Aqueous solution of an oxidizing salt, typically 25-40% concentration. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable aqueous solution) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100C (212F), similar to water |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Dilutes with water; avoid contact with acids which can release toxic chlorine dioxide gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1908
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, mist, dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS for corrosive contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1908 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.
- 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 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1908 — Chlorite solutionUse 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.