UN 2588 — Pesticide, solid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2588 is a broad entry for poisonous solid pesticides not otherwise specified. The exact active ingredient and formulation control the real exposure and cleanup hazards.
Hazard overview: This entry should not be treated as one chemical. Dust, contaminated packaging or fire smoke may be toxic, and runoff can carry pesticide residues into soil or waterways.
Response guidance: Identify the product from labels, shipping papers and SDS before committing crews. Isolate dust, keep material out of drains, avoid skin contact and use ERG 151 only as initial guidance until product-specific data is confirmed.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat n.o.s. pesticide entries as variable toxic products. Emphasize label/SDS identification, dust containment, decon and environmental protection.
Regulatory context: UN 2588 is Pesticide, solid, poisonous, n.o.s., Class 6.1. Regulatory handling depends on the active ingredient, formulation and package markings.
Storage & handling: Store according to the pesticide label in a secure, dry, ventilated area. Keep away from food, feed, drains, incompatible chemicals and unauthorized access.
UN 2588 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2588
- Broad toxic pesticide solid category; exact active ingredient determines the primary health hazard.
- Poisonous by inhalation of dust, ingestion or skin contact; some products may be readily absorbed through skin.
- Fire may produce toxic pesticide decomposition gases and irritating smoke.
- Dust can contaminate clothing, equipment and response areas.
- Runoff from spills or fire control can contaminate soil, drains and waterways.
- Some formulations may be combustible or contain carriers that burn.
- Containers may rupture or release toxic dust when heated or damaged.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Physical form varies by pesticide product and may include powders, granules, pellets or treated solids. Odor, color and solubility are formulation-dependent.
| Appearance | Varies widely - typically a powder, granules, or crystalline solid ranging from white to colored depending on active ingredient and formulation. Odor varies from odorless to characteristic chemical smell. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid pesticide, combustibility depends on specific formulation) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid material, may decompose before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material at room temperature) |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by active ingredient and formulation; do not assume water compatibility without SDS and label information. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2588
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for dust, smoke or unknown atmospheres. Chemical protective clothing, gloves and boots should be selected for the active ingredient and carrier.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2588 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2588 — Pesticide, 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.