UN 2291 — Lead compound, soluble, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2291 is Lead compound, soluble, n.o.s., a toxic soluble lead compound entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Dust, solution and runoff control are central response concerns.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC soluble lead compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious poisoning. Dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff. Dissolution in water increases exposure and environmental mobility, even without violent reaction.
Response guidance: For a UN 2291 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2291 should emphasize toxic lead dust/solution exposure, ingestion prevention, decontamination, contaminated runoff control and waste handling. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Lead compound, soluble, n.o.s. 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: Lead compound, soluble, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed labeled containers in a secure toxic-material area with dust control, secondary containment, restricted access and procedures to prevent ingestion, runoff and environmental contamination.
UN 2291 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2291
- HIGHLY TOXIC soluble lead compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious poisoning.
- Dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
- Dissolution in water increases exposure and environmental mobility, even without violent reaction.
- Non-combustible, but heating or fire may produce toxic lead fumes or decomposition products.
- Runoff may pollute waterways and create persistent contamination.
- Avoid dust generation, eating/drinking contamination and unprotected handling.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Appearance varies by specific compound; typically white to colorless crystalline solids or powders, some may be yellowish. Generally odorless.
| Also known as | Lead salts, solubleLead acetateLead nitrateLead chloride (when soluble)Soluble lead compounds |
| Appearance | Appearance varies by specific compound; typically white to colorless crystalline solids or powders, some may be yellowish. Generally odorless. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic salt) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but dissolution increases exposure hazard |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2291
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use respiratory protection suitable for toxic lead dust or mist, or positive-pressure SCBA for fire/unknown exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing and eye protection; prevent ingestion and secondary contamination.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2291 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, residues, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- 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 spread, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2291 — Lead compound, soluble, 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.