☣️ UN 2249 • CLASS 6
Dichlorodimethyl ether, symmetrical
Placard: Toxic. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 2249
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 131 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill; treat as highly toxic cancer hazard
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Bis(chloromethyl) etherBCMEChloromethyl ethersym-Dichloromethyl etherOxybis(chloromethane) |
| CAS Number | 542-88-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a suffocating, irritating odor. Volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (highly volatile, flammable liquid) |
| Boiling Point | 106C (223F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Hydrolyzes slowly in water, releasing formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray to reduce vapors |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; extremely toxic carcinogen |
| Isolation | ERG 131: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill; treat as highly toxic cancer hazard |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 2249 — Dichlorodimethyl ether, symmetrical HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2249
Product: Dichlorodimethyl ether, symmetrical
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; extremely toxic carcinogen
ISOLATION: ERG 131: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill; treat as highly toxic cancer hazard
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2249 — Dichlorodimethyl ether, symmetrical
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a suffocating, irritating odor. Volatile at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Hydrolyzes slowly in water, releasing formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical; water spray to reduce vapors
PPE: Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; extremely toxic carcinogen
Isolation: ERG 131: isolate spill 50m all directions; evacuate 800m downwind if large spill; treat as highly toxic cancer hazard
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2249 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN2249 Dichlorodimethyl ether, symmetrical Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2249SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2249
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FAQ
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level A required; SCBA mandatory; full chemical protective suit; extremely toxic carcinogen
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 131 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.