UN 3012 — Mercury based pesticide, liquid, poisonous
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Mercury based pesticide, liquid, poisonous is a liquid pesticide formulation assigned to UN 3012. It should be treated as a toxic pesticide product until the active ingredient, carrier solvent and concentration are confirmed from shipping papers and the SDS.
Hazard overview: The main concern with UN 3012 is toxic exposure from the pesticide formulation. Dermal absorption, inhalation of vapors or dust, ingestion, contaminated runoff and toxic fire gases are the response priorities.
Response guidance: For UN 3012, isolate the spill area, keep personnel upwind and avoid all skin contact. Use absorbent or containment methods compatible with the formulation and keep contaminated runoff out of drains. Fire control should focus on exposed packaging and the carrier solvent if present; verify the SDS before choosing water or foam.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat UN 3012 as a toxic pesticide release, verify the exact product, control runoff and avoid skin contact during rescue, containment and decon.
Regulatory context: UN 3012 is regulated for transport as a hazardous pesticide entry. Product labels, shipping papers, SDS and local environmental reporting rules should guide final actions.
Storage & handling: Store UN 3012 away from food, feed, drains, ignition sources where applicable and incompatible chemicals. Keep containers closed, labeled and protected from heat or physical damage.
UN 3012 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3012
- Mercury-based pesticide liquids may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Liquid contact can contaminate PPE and expose responders during doffing.
- Fire or heating may release irritating, corrosive or toxic decomposition gases.
- Containers may rupture when heated even when the product itself is not readily flammable.
- Runoff from spill control or firefighting can carry pesticide contamination into waterways.
- Some formulations contain solvents or surfactants that change vapor, foam and cleanup behavior.
- Exact product identity and concentration must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
- Mercury compounds can create persistent contamination and long-term environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Liquid formulation, color varies by product (often clear to amber), may have chemical or solvent odor, room temperature liquid. Product-specific appearance and odor should not be used as the only identification method.
| Also known as | Mercury pesticideOrganomercury pesticideMercurial pesticideMercury fungicide |
| Appearance | Liquid formulation, color varies by product (often clear to amber), may have chemical or solvent odor, room temperature liquid. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically 23-61C (73-142F) depending on solvent base |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation, typically above 100C (212F) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically 2-5 relative to air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but mercury compounds may leach |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3012
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing suitable for pesticide liquids. Gloves, boots and suit material should be selected from the SDS because permeation varies by active ingredient and solvent.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3012 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 low areas where vapors may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or fire gases and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when trained, equipped and authorized.
- Use ERG 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to confirm product hazards before close approach.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3012 — Mercury based pesticide, liquid, poisonoUse 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.