UN 1968 — Insecticide gas, n.o.s.
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1968 is Insecticide gas, n.o.s., a pesticide gas n.o.s. entry assigned to ERG Guide 126. The active ingredient and propellant must be confirmed from SDS and product label.
Hazard overview: UN 1968 presents formulation-dependent toxic inhalation, skin absorption, low-area gas and cylinder rupture hazards.
Response guidance: For a UN 1968 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 126. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1968 should emphasize pressure/fire hazards, exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, evacuation and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Insecticide gas, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Requirements for storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Insecticide gas, n.o.s. should be stored in a secure, ventilated toxic-gas area with restricted access, leak detection/monitoring where required, compatible cylinder restraints and emergency response planning according to SDS and local code.
UN 1968 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1968
- INSECTICIDE gas n.o.s.; toxicity varies by active ingredient and formulation.
- Inhalation and skin absorption may cause serious poisoning for some fumigant or pesticide gases.
- Gas may be heavier than air and collect in low or confined areas.
- Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.
- Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- SDS and product label are essential for PPE, medical and decontamination decisions.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Compressed or liquefied gas, typically colorless to pale yellow. Odor varies depending on specific formulation; may be odorless or have characteristic pungent smell. Gaseous state at room temperature when released from pressurized container.
| Also known as | Insecticide gasPesticide gasFumigant gasAgricultural gasCrop protection gas |
| Appearance | Compressed or liquefied gas, typically colorless to pale yellow. Odor varies depending on specific formulation; may be odorless or have characteristic pungent smell. Gaseous state at room temperature when released from pressurized container. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed gas) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation; typically below room temperature for compressed gases |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 2-4 times air density) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water for most formulations |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1968
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for all leak, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical protective clothing should be selected from SDS and product label because insecticide toxicity and skin absorption vary.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1968 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.
- Treat the incident as a serious inhalation hazard; use Table 1/protective-action guidance where applicable.
- Avoid breathing gas, vapor, smoke or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, cylinder heating, vapor accumulation, unknown gas identity or downwind exposure.
- Use ERG Guide 126, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1968 — Insecticide gas, 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.