UN 2573 — Thallium chlorate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 141. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Thallium chlorate is a toxic oxidizing solid. The main response concern is a combination of oxidizer fire behavior, contamination sensitivity and thallium poisoning risk.
Hazard overview: This material can accelerate burning and may decompose violently if heated or contaminated with incompatible fuels or organics. Dust or residues are also a serious toxic exposure hazard because thallium compounds can affect the nervous system and other organs.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove ignition and fuel sources if this can be done safely, and keep combustible absorbents away from spilled material. Cool exposed containers from a protected position and base isolation decisions on ERG 141, SDS details and field monitoring.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat thallium chlorate as both an oxidizer and a toxic material. Entry teams should recognize contamination hazards, avoid combustible absorbents and understand why oxidizers can worsen ordinary fires.
Regulatory context: UN 2573 is shipped as Thallium chlorate, Class 5 oxidizer. Use the shipping papers, package markings and SDS to confirm the exact product and any subsidiary toxic precautions.
Storage & handling: Store away from fuels, oils, organic materials, reducing agents and heat. Keep containers dry, closed and separated from incompatible toxic-waste streams.
UN 2573 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2573
- Strong oxidizer; can intensify burning of nearby combustibles even though it is not used as a fuel.
- Heat, shock, friction or contamination may increase the risk of rapid decomposition or explosion.
- Contact with fuels, oils, organic materials or reducing agents can create a severe fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated in a fire.
- Thallium compounds are highly toxic; ingestion, inhalation of dust or skin contamination may cause serious systemic poisoning.
- Fire or decomposition may release irritating and toxic metal-containing fumes.
- Contaminated runoff may spread toxic oxidizing material and should be contained when safe.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Thallium chlorate is generally described as a white to colorless crystalline solid. It is an oxidizing salt, not a flammable liquid, and dust control is important during any release.
| Also known as | Thallous chlorateThallium(I) chlorateChloric acid thallium(I) salt |
| CAS Number | 13453-30-0 |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solid, odorless. Moderately soluble in water. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing solid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 430C (806F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent water reaction is expected, but solutions remain toxic and oxidizing. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2573
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire or unknown atmosphere conditions. Chemical protective clothing, gloves and eye protection should prevent any contact with dust, solution or contaminated runoff.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2573 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 141, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2573 — Thallium chlorateUse 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.