UN 1580 — Chloropicrin
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1580 is Chloropicrin, a highly toxic chloropicrin material assigned to ERG Guide 154. It is known for intense eye and respiratory irritation and heavy vapors that can collect in low areas.
Hazard overview: UN 1580 presents toxic inhalation, lachrymator and contaminated-runoff hazards. It is generally nonflammable, but heating or fire may produce corrosive and toxic decomposition gases.
Response guidance: For a UN 1580 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 154. 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 1580 should emphasize chloropicrin vapor toxicity, eye/respiratory irritation, heavier-than-air vapor spread, decontamination and strict entry control. Common errors include relying on odor and underestimating low-area vapor accumulation.
Regulatory context: Chloropicrin 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: Chloropicrin should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure, cool, well-ventilated toxic-material area away from heat, incompatible chemicals and unauthorized access. Storage should control vapor release, leaks and contaminated runoff.
UN 1580 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1580
- HIGHLY TOXIC irritant/lachrymator liquid or mixture; inhalation can cause severe respiratory injury.
- Vapors are much heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Strong eye and respiratory irritation may occur at very low concentrations.
- Non-flammable, but heating or fire may produce toxic and corrosive decomposition gases.
- Skin or eye contact with liquid can cause serious injury.
- Runoff may carry toxic contamination to drains or waterways.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with an intensely irritating odor. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water.
| Also known as | TrichloronitromethaneNitrochloroformPSAcquiniteTri-Clor |
| CAS Number | 76-06-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with an intensely irritating odor. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 112C (234F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.7 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but slightly soluble |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1580
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical protective clothing selected by hazmat specialists for any vapor, liquid or unknown exposure. Level A is often appropriate for close entry because toxic vapor and skin absorption hazards may be severe.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1580 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.
- 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 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1580 — ChloropicrinUse 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.