UN 1618 — Lead arsenites
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Lead arsenites are highly toxic substances that can be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. They are often used in pesticides and fertilizers.
Hazard overview: Lead arsenites are highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. They can also contaminate water sources.
Response guidance: In case of emergency, isolate the spill area and evacuate the area. Use water spray, dry chemical or CO2 for adjacent fires.
UN 1618 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1618
- Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- 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
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Lead arsenites are a white to grayish-white powder or crystalline solid, odorless and stable at room temperature as a solid.
| Also known as | Lead arseniteArsenious acid lead saltLead(II) arsenitePlumbous arsenite |
| Appearance | White to grayish-white powder or crystalline solid. Odorless. Stable at room temperature as a solid. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible inorganic solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; releases toxic arsenic compounds upon dissolution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1618
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use Level A or B PPE with full-face SCBA, chemical-resistant suit and double gloves.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1618 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- 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 1618 — Lead arsenitesUse 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.