UN 1690 — Sodium fluoride, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1690 is Sodium fluoride, solid, a toxic fluoride salt assigned to ERG Guide 154. Dust, ingestion and contaminated runoff are the main responder concerns, especially if acids could release toxic fluoride fumes.
Hazard overview: UN 1690 presents toxic fluoride dust, solution and runoff hazards. It is not combustible, but fire, acid contact or contaminated water can create corrosive/toxic exposure concerns.
Response guidance: For a UN 1690 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 154. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust, vapor or aerosol exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1690 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and preventing contaminated runoff. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Sodium fluoride, solid is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Sodium fluoride, solid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area according to SDS and local hazardous materials procedures.
UN 1690 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1690
- TOXIC fluoride salt; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with dust or solution may cause serious injury.
- Dust may irritate or injure eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Dissolves in water to form toxic fluoride solution; runoff may contaminate waterways.
- Acid contact may release corrosive and toxic hydrogen fluoride-type fumes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated powder.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to off-white crystalline powder or solid. Odorless. Typically found as a fine powder or granular material at room temperature.
| Also known as | Sodium fluorideDisodium difluorideFloridineVilliaumiteSodium monofluoride |
| CAS Number | 7681-49-4 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder or solid. Odorless. Typically found as a fine powder or granular material at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (inorganic salt) |
| Boiling Point | 1704C (3099F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves in water with no violent reaction, forming a toxic solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1690
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; avoid dust inhalation and fluoride-contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1690 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 vapors, fumes, dust, mist, aerosol or smoke and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, aerosol, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 154, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1690 — Sodium fluoride, 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.