UN 3249 — Medicine, solid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3249 Medicine, solid, poisonous, n.o.s. is assigned to ERG Guide 151 for initial emergency response. Varied solid forms including tablets, powders, or granules. Appearance varies widely depending on specific pharmaceutical compound; typically white, colored, or crystalline solids at room temperature with little to no odor. Verify the exact product from shipping papers and SDS before selecting tactics.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards: a toxic hazardous material that may be fatal by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact.
Response guidance: For a UN 3249 incident, isolate the area, keep unauthorized personnel away, stay upwind/uphill and confirm the exact material from shipping papers and SDS. Use compatible extinguishing media and prevent contaminated runoff from entering waterways. Follow ERG Guide 151 and local incident command procedures.
UN 3249 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3249
- 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 contamination.
- 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
Varied solid forms including tablets, powders, or granules. Appearance varies widely depending on specific pharmaceutical compound; typically white, colored, or crystalline solids at room temperature with little to no odor.
| Also known as | Poisonous pharmaceutical solidsToxic medicinal preparationsPharmaceutical toxic substancesMedicine solid toxic n.o.s. |
| Appearance | Varied solid forms including tablets, powders, or granules. Appearance varies widely depending on specific pharmaceutical compound; typically white, colored, or crystalline solids at room temperature with little to no odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid pharmaceutical preparations typically non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by specific active ingredient; many decompose before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though dissolution may occur depending on formulation |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3249
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum recommended; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and suit to prevent skin absorption; avoid any direct contact
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3249 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.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the initial isolation distance in the downwind direction as needed.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3249 — Medicine, solid, poisonous, n.o.s.Use 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.