UN 2024 — Mercury compound, liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2024 is Mercury compound, liquid, n.o.s., a toxic mercury compound entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Persistent contamination, dust or liquid spread and toxic runoff are major concerns.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC mercury compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury. Dust, liquid or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff. Heating or fire may release toxic mercury fumes and decomposition products.
Response guidance: For a UN 2024 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 151. 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 2024 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination, runoff containment and ERG/SDS verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Mercury compound, liquid, n.o.s. 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: Mercury compound, liquid, n.o.s. 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 2024 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2024
- HIGHLY TOXIC mercury compound; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause serious injury.
- Dust, liquid or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
- Heating or fire may release toxic mercury fumes and decomposition products.
- Mercury contamination can persist and pollute waterways.
- Avoid creating dust, mist or contaminated splash.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Specific solubility and absorption risk should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to pale yellow liquids with characteristic metallic or chemical odor. Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Mercury compounds liquidOrganomercury liquidMercurial liquid compoundLiquid mercury derivative |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to pale yellow liquids with characteristic metallic or chemical odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Variable depending on specific mercury compound; many are non-flammable but organic mercury compounds may have flash points ranging from 10-60C (50-140F) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific compound; typically ranges from 100-300C (212-572F) for common organomercury compounds |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) for most mercury compound vapors |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water for most compounds, though some organomercury compounds may slowly hydrolyze |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2024
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 2024 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 151, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2024 — Mercury compound, liquid, 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.