UN 2017 — Ammunition, tear-producing, non-explosive
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 159. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2017 is Ammunition, tear-producing, non-explosive, a tear-producing non-explosive ammunition entry assigned to ERG Guide 159. The main hazard is irritating vapor, dust or smoke, especially in enclosed spaces.
Hazard overview: TEAR-PRODUCING ammunition; vapors, dust or smoke are extremely irritating. May cause burning eyes, tearing, coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. Exposure in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas may be very harmful.
Response guidance: For a UN 2017 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 159. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff or dust spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2017 should emphasize toxic-agent identification, residue control, decontamination, law-enforcement/ordnance coordination, respiratory protection and downwind isolation. Use ERG 159, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Ammunition, tear-producing, non-explosive 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: Ammunition, tear-producing, non-explosive should be stored in a secure, ventilated toxic-material/ordnance area with restricted access, intact packaging, segregation from heat and incompatible materials, and emergency/decontamination planning.
UN 2017 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2017
- TEAR-PRODUCING ammunition; vapors, dust or smoke are extremely irritating.
- May cause burning eyes, tearing, coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
- Exposure in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas may be very harmful.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Some materials may burn but do not ignite readily.
- Residues can contaminate clothing, tools and enclosed spaces.
- Dry disturbance can spread irritating particles.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid ammunition containing tear-producing agents (typically CS or CN compounds). CS is a white crystalline powder; CN is a pale yellow solid. Both produce irritating vapors when dispersed.
| Also known as | CS tear gas ammunitionCN tear gas ammunitionLachrymatory agent ammunitionRiot control ammunitionTear gas cartridgesNon-lethal chemical ammunition |
| Appearance | Solid ammunition containing tear-producing agents (typically CS or CN compounds). CS is a white crystalline powder; CN is a pale yellow solid. Both produce irritating vapors when dispersed. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-explosive ammunition) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid formulation, decomposes upon heating) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air when dispersed (particulates and vapors settle in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though water may help disperse or wash away residues |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2017
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use respiratory protection and eye/face protection for dispersed agent. SCBA is preferred for enclosed spaces, heavy concentrations or fire; chemical-resistant gloves and clothing should prevent residue contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2017 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 dust, vapor, fumes, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent residues, fragments, 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, water reaction, vapor generation, dust spread or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 159, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2017 — Ammunition, tear-producing, non-explosivUse 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.