UN 2022 — Cresylic acid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2022 is Cresylic acid, a toxic/corrosive phenolic liquid assigned to ERG Guide 153. It can burn tissue, absorb through skin and produce toxic smoke in fire.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and CORROSIVE cresylic acid/phenolic liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury. Phenolic compounds can be absorbed through skin and contaminated clothing. Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Response guidance: For a UN 2022 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 153. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff or dust spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2022 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Cresylic acid is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Cresylic acid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area with secondary containment, restricted access, ventilation and waste/decontamination planning according to SDS.
UN 2022 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2022
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE cresylic acid/phenolic liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury.
- Phenolic compounds can be absorbed through skin and contaminated clothing.
- Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Liquid can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Fire may produce toxic phenolic smoke, carbon monoxide and irritating gases.
- Runoff may be toxic, corrosive and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to yellowish or pinkish liquid with a characteristic phenolic, tar-like odor. May darken on exposure to air and light.
| Also known as | CresolTricresolMethylphenolCresylic acidMixed cresols |
| CAS Number | 1319-77-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish or pinkish liquid with a characteristic phenolic, tar-like odor. May darken on exposure to air and light. |
| Flash Point | 81-86°C (178-187°F) |
| Boiling Point | 191-203°C (376-397°F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no significant violent reaction |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2022
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2022 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 dust, vapor, fumes, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, water reaction, vapor generation, dust spread or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 153, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2022 — Cresylic acidUse 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.