UN 1578 — Chloronitrobenzenes, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1578 is Chloronitrobenzenes, solid, a toxic aromatic compound assigned to ERG Guide 152. It may be a solid or liquid, but responder priorities are skin absorption control, toxic smoke and runoff containment.
Hazard overview: UN 1578 presents toxic skin, inhalation and ingestion hazards. It may burn or decompose under fire conditions, producing irritating or toxic nitrogen/chlorine-containing gases.
Response guidance: For a UN 1578 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 152. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust or vapor exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1578 should emphasize toxic aromatic compound exposure, skin absorption, dust/vapor control, runoff containment and toxic smoke. Use ERG 152, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Chloronitrobenzenes, solid is regulated as a toxic hazardous material. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Chloronitrobenzenes, solid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area according to SDS and local hazardous materials procedures.
UN 1578 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1578
- TOXIC aromatic nitro or amine compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Dust, vapor or molten/liquid contact may injure eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Vapors or decomposition products may be heavier than air and collect in low areas.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases including nitrogen oxides and hydrogen chloride.
- Runoff may be toxic and may pollute waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Yellow to pale yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. Characteristic aromatic odor. May appear as colorless to light yellow crystals or powder depending on isomer.
| Also known as | NitrochlorobenzeneChlorinated nitrobenzeneCNBp-Chloronitrobenzeneo-Chloronitrobenzenem-Chloronitrobenzene |
| Appearance | Yellow to pale yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. Characteristic aromatic odor. May appear as colorless to light yellow crystals or powder depending on isomer. |
| Flash Point | 127C (261F) typical for solid isomers |
| Boiling Point | 235-242C (455-468F) depending on isomer |
| Vapor Density | 5.4-5.5 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; slightly soluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1578
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS because skin absorption may be significant.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1578 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 vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated powder, molten material or runoff.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 152, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1578 — Chloronitrobenzenes, solidUse 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.