UN 1908 — Chlorite solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Chlorite solution is a clear to slightly yellow-green liquid with a faint chlorine-like odor, commonly used as an oxidizing agent. It is essential to handle this substance with care due to its toxic and corrosive properties.
Hazard overview: Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with chlorite solution may cause severe injury, and contact with molten substance can lead to severe burns. The substance can also release toxic chlorine dioxide gas when in contact with acids.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, isolate the spill area and use water spray, fog, or mist to extinguish the fire. It is crucial to wear Level B minimum PPE with SCBA to avoid all skin contact due to the corrosive nature of the substance.
UN 1908 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1908
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Chlorite solution is an aqueous solution of an oxidizing salt, typically with a 25-40% concentration, and has a faint chlorine-like odor.
| Also known as | Sodium chlorite solutionChlorous acid sodium salt solutionTextoneChlorite liquor |
| CAS Number | 7758-19-2 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellow-green liquid with a faint chlorine-like odor. Aqueous solution of an oxidizing salt, typically 25-40% concentration. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable aqueous solution) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100C (212F), similar to water |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Dilutes with water; avoid contact with acids which can release toxic chlorine dioxide gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1908
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum PPE with SCBA, full face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, and suit is required to handle chlorite solution due to its corrosive nature.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1908 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- 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
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1908 — Chlorite solutionUse 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.