Blood agents, such as Arsine, would fall under which UN/DOT hazard class and division?

• A. 2.3
• B. 6.1
• C. 2.1
• D. 3.1

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how hazmat classifications separate substances by their state and the specific hazard they pose. Blood agents like arsine are gases that are extremely toxic when inhaled, so they fall into the toxic gas category.

Within the UN/DOT system, Class 2 is for gases. The divisions distinguish whether the gas is flammable (2.1), non-flammable/non-toxic (2.2), or toxic (2.3). Blood agents are toxic by inhalation, not flammable, so the correct division is 2.3.

Why the others don’t fit: 2.1 would be for flammable gases, which arsine is not. 3.1 covers flammable liquids, which isn’t applicable to a gas. 6.1 covers poisonous substances, but that division is for solids or liquids designated as poisonous; for a toxic gas, the proper label is 2.3.

So, arsine, as a highly toxic gaseous blood agent, is classified as a toxic gas: 2.3.