UN 2213 — Paraformaldehyde
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2213 is Paraformaldehyde, a combustible formaldehyde polymer solid assigned to ERG Guide 133. Heating can release toxic formaldehyde vapor.
Hazard overview: COMBUSTIBLE solid that can release toxic formaldehyde vapor, especially when heated. Dust may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract and may form combustible dust clouds. Heating or decomposition may produce formaldehyde gas and carbon monoxide.
Response guidance: For a UN 2213 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 133. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2213 should emphasize exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Paraformaldehyde is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements 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: Paraformaldehyde should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, ventilated toxic-material area with secondary containment, restricted access and segregation from incompatible chemicals according to SDS.
UN 2213 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2213
- COMBUSTIBLE solid that can release toxic formaldehyde vapor, especially when heated.
- Dust may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract and may form combustible dust clouds.
- Heating or decomposition may produce formaldehyde gas and carbon monoxide.
- May depolymerize to formaldehyde and create strong irritating odor/vapor.
- Fire may produce irritating and toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry formaldehyde contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White crystalline powder or granular solid with a formaldehyde-like pungent odor. Solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | polyoxymethyleneparaformtrioxane polymerformaldehyde polymer |
| CAS Number | 30525-89-4 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granular solid with a formaldehyde-like pungent odor. Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 70C (158F) (solid combustible) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes above 120C releasing formaldehyde gas) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, but releases formaldehyde vapor which is 1.03) |
| Water Reactivity | Slowly hydrolyzes in water releasing formaldehyde; no violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2213
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2213 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 gas, vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes 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 spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor/gas spread, cylinder heating, oxidizer reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 133, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2213 — ParaformaldehydeUse 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.