UN 3070 — Ethylene oxide and dichlorodifluoromethane mixture, with not more than 12.5% ethylene oxide
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3070 is Ethylene oxide and dichlorodifluoromethane mixture, with not more than 12.5% ethylene oxide, a liquefied gas mixture assigned to ERG Guide 126. Ethylene oxide content adds toxicity/reactivity concerns.
Hazard overview: Liquefied compressed gas mixture containing ethylene oxide diluted with dichlorodifluoromethane. Mixture is assigned non-flammable gas classification, but ethylene oxide component adds toxicity, reactivity and ignition concern. Gas may displace oxygen in low or confined areas and cause asphyxiation without warning.
Response guidance: For UN 3070, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where vapor, dust, mist or fire is present. Contain runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 126.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3070 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package verification. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ethylene oxide and dichlorodifluoromethane mixture, with not more than 12.5% ethylene oxide is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Ethylene oxide and dichlorodifluoromethane mixture, with not more than 12.5% ethylene oxide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3070 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3070
- Liquefied compressed gas mixture containing ethylene oxide diluted with dichlorodifluoromethane.
- Mixture is assigned non-flammable gas classification, but ethylene oxide component adds toxicity, reactivity and ignition concern.
- Gas may displace oxygen in low or confined areas and cause asphyxiation without warning.
- Liquefied gas contact can cause frostbite or cold burns.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent, rupture or rocket.
- Fire or hot surfaces may produce toxic/corrosive decomposition gases.
- Exact blend and cylinder condition must be verified from shipping papers and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquefied compressed gas mixture with a faintly sweet ether-like odor. The mixture contains ethylene oxide (a flammable gas) diluted with dichlorodifluoromethane (a non-flammable refrigerant gas).
| Also known as | Ethylene oxide-R-12 mixtureEtO-dichlorodifluoromethane blendEthylene oxide-Freon 12 mixtureEO-CFC-12 mixture |
| Appearance | Colorless liquefied compressed gas mixture with a faintly sweet ether-like odor. The mixture contains ethylene oxide (a flammable gas) diluted with dichlorodifluoromethane (a non-flammable refrigerant gas). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed gas mixture) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately -30°C (-22°F) depending on mixture ratio |
| Vapor Density | 2.9-3.5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but ethylene oxide component is slightly water-soluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3070
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 3070 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, gas, 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 126, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3070 — Ethylene oxide and dichlorodifluoromethaUse 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.