UN 2038 — Dinitrotoluenes, liquid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2038 is Dinitrotoluenes, liquid, a highly toxic nitroaromatic liquid assigned to ERG Guide 152. Skin absorption and toxic runoff require careful control.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC dinitrotoluene liquid; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Skin absorption and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns. Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Response guidance: For a UN 2038 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 152. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2038 should emphasize toxic skin/dust exposure, persistent contamination, decontamination waste, runoff containment and exposure documentation. Use ERG 152, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Dinitrotoluenes, liquid 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: Dinitrotoluenes, liquid 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 2038 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2038
- HIGHLY TOXIC dinitrotoluene liquid; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Skin absorption and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns.
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Heated liquid or molten material can cause severe burns and toxic vapor exposure.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Runoff may carry toxic nitroaromatic contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Yellow to pale brown oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor. Solidifies at cool temperatures but shipped as liquid above melting point.
| Also known as | DNTDinitrotoluol2,4-Dinitrotoluene2,6-DinitrotolueneMixed dinitrotoluene isomers |
| CAS Number | 25321-14-6 |
| Appearance | Yellow to pale brown oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor. Solidifies at cool temperatures but shipped as liquid above melting point. |
| Flash Point | 207°C (404°F) |
| Boiling Point | 300°C (572°F) - decomposes |
| Vapor Density | 6.3 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water, no significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2038
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, 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 2038 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, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, residues, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- 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, vapor spread, dust spread, cylinder heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 152, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2038 — Dinitrotoluenes, liquidUse 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.