UN 2446 — Nitrocresols, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2446 is Nitrocresols, solid, a toxic nitrophenolic solid assigned to ERG Guide 153. Skin absorption, dust and toxic fire products are key hazards.
Hazard overview: TOXIC nitrophenolic solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause serious systemic injury. Dust and contaminated clothing can extend exposure. Combustible solid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Response guidance: For UN 2446, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Contain toxic/corrosive runoff and verify exact product controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2446 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA use, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitrocresols, solid is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Nitrocresols, solid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic/corrosive-material area with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation.
UN 2446 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2446
- TOXIC nitrophenolic solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause serious systemic injury.
- Dust and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Combustible solid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Molten material can cause severe burns and toxic contact exposure.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, phenolic smoke and other toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic nitrophenolic contamination.
- Exact isomer/formulation should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Yellow to brown crystalline solid or powder. May have a slight phenolic odor. Solid at room temperature.
| Also known as | MononitrocresolsNitro-cresolsNitrocresol isomersNitro methyl phenols |
| Appearance | Yellow to brown crystalline solid or powder. May have a slight phenolic odor. Solid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling, approximately 250-270C (482-518F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but aqueous solutions are toxic and corrosive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2446
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 clothing; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2446 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2446 — Nitrocresols, solidUse 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.