UN 2839 — Aldol
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2839 is Aldol, a toxic combustible aldehyde-alcohol assigned to ERG Guide 153. Storage stability and toxic vapor exposure require review.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and combustible aldehyde-alcohol liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause injury. Heated vapors may form ignitable mixtures and collect in low or confined areas. Liquid and vapor can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Response guidance: For UN 2839, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain corrosive/toxic runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2839 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Aldol is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Aldol should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2839 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2839
- TOXIC and combustible aldehyde-alcohol liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause injury.
- Heated vapors may form ignitable mixtures and collect in low or confined areas.
- Liquid and vapor can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- May decompose or polymerize under heat, age or contamination; verify SDS storage guidance.
- Fire may produce carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic aldehyde smoke.
- Runoff may carry toxic organic contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid with a mild, characteristic aldehyde odor. May solidify at cool temperatures.
| Also known as | 3-HydroxybutanalAldehyde aldolbeta-HydroxybutyraldehydeAcetaldehyde aldolOxybutyraldehyde |
| CAS Number | 107-89-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid with a mild, characteristic aldehyde odor. May solidify at cool temperatures. |
| Flash Point | 65°C (149°F) |
| Boiling Point | 83°C (181°F) at 20 mmHg, decomposes above 100°C |
| Vapor Density | 3.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; no violent reaction but may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2839
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2839 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2839 — AldolUse 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.