UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotile
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Asbestos, chrysotile is a fiber inhalation hazard. Emergency response should focus on preventing airborne fiber release and secondary contamination.
Hazard overview: The material does not behave like a typical chemical vapor hazard; the critical risk is respirable fiber dust. Disturbance, impact or fire-damaged packaging can spread contaminated debris.
Response guidance: Keep personnel away from dust, avoid dry sweeping and use wet methods or HEPA-controlled collection when trained and equipped. Establish decontamination for clothing, tools and runoff.
Firefighter training notes: Training should focus on asbestos fiber control, respiratory protection, wet methods, HEPA cleanup and contamination control rather than ordinary chemical spill tactics.
Regulatory context: UN 2590 is Asbestos, chrysotile, Class 9. Response and disposal must follow applicable asbestos handling, transport and environmental regulations.
Storage & handling: Keep packages sealed and protected from damage. Store away from traffic, abrasion and weather that could release fibers.
UN 2590 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2590
- Chrysotile asbestos is a hazardous fiber-forming solid; inhalation of airborne fibers is the main exposure route.
- Disturbance, breakage or dry handling can release respirable fibers.
- Fire, demolition or impact can spread contaminated dust and debris.
- Material is not readily combustible, but packaging or surrounding materials may burn.
- Runoff or wash water can carry asbestos-containing debris and must be controlled.
- Contaminated clothing and equipment can spread fibers beyond the hot zone.
- Long-term health risks are associated with inhaled asbestos fibers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Chrysotile asbestos is a fibrous mineral material. It may be shipped as raw fiber, incorporated material or contaminated debris depending on the package.
| Also known as | Chrysotile asbestosWhite asbestosSerpentine asbestosAsbestos fiber |
| CAS Number | 12001-29-5 |
| Appearance | White to gray fibrous silicate mineral, odorless. Flexible fibers that can be woven; occurs as bundles of fibrils. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible mineral) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at high temperature) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No violent reaction with water; wetting is commonly used to reduce airborne fibers, but runoff must be managed as contaminated. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2590
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use respiratory protection approved for asbestos fiber exposure and disposable or decontaminable protective clothing. Prevent fibers from leaving the controlled area.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2590 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 171, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotileUse 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.