☣️ UN 2590 • CLASS 9
UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotile
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
Asbestos, chrysotile is a white to gray fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into flexible fibers. It is a known carcinogen and requires specialized cleanup.
Hazard overview: Some may burn but none ignite readily, and containers may explode when heated. Asbestos fibers can cause respiratory problems and cancer.
Response guidance: Evacuate the area and contain the fibers to prevent inhalation. Use respiratory protection and disposable coveralls to prevent exposure.
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UN 2590 Quick Details
UN 2590
Product name: Asbestos, chrysotile
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material
Common Hazards of UN 2590
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Asbestos, chrysotile is a white to gray fibrous silicate mineral, odorless, with flexible fibers that can be woven.
| 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 significant reaction with water |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2590
Extinguishing Media
Foam, water spray, or dry chemical suitable for surrounding fire
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation
Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 2590 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotileHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2590
Product: Asbestos, chrysotile
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation
ISOLATION: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2590 — Asbestos, chrysotile
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: White to gray fibrous silicate mineral, odorless. Flexible fibers that can be woven; occurs as bundles of fibrils.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water
Extinguishing: Foam, water spray, or dry chemical suitable for surrounding fire
PPE: Respiratory protection critical - NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filters mandatory; disposable coveralls, gloves; prevent fiber release and inhalation
Isolation: ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; specialized cleanup required for carcinogenic material
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
• For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2590 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2590 Asbestos, chrysotile Cls9 ERG171 | ERG 171: No evacuation distances given; avoid creating dust; contain fibers; spe | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/2590SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/asbestos-chrysotile-un-2590
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2590
Some may burn but none ignite readily.
Yes, asbestos fibers can cause respiratory problems and cancer.
Avoid creating dust, contain fibers, and use specialized cleanup for carcinogenic material.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.