Product Name: Corn Starch / Waxy Corn Starch
Chemical Family: Carbohydrate polymer
Synonyms: Maize starch, amylomaize starch
Recommended Use: Food processing, industrial applications, pharmaceuticals
Supplier: Contact address and information varies based on manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Reach local poison control or emergency response team as applicable
CAS Number: 9005-25-8
UN Number: Not regulated
Molecular Formula: (C6H10O5)n
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Main Hazards: Fine dust can form explosive mixtures with air. Prolonged inhalation may irritate respiratory tract. Dust can irritate eyes, nose and throat.
Signal Word: None required
Pictogram: None required
Hazard Statements: Corn starch dust presents risk of dust explosion if airborne in confined space. Overexposure to dust causes mild discomfort.
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust buildup and maintain good housekeeping. Control sources of ignition.
Chemical Name: Corn Starch
Content: 100% (may contain trace moisture)
CAS Number: 9005-25-8
Impurities or Additives: Processing aids may be present at very low levels; not significant for user safety
Waxy Corn Starch: Contains higher amylopectin than standard corn starch, but health and safety profile equivalent
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air. Rinse mouth and throat with water if dust swallowed or inhaled. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation or breathing difficulty.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water to remove dust from skin. Seek medical attention if rash or irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical care for pain or vision changes.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and drink plenty of water. No serious effects expected from small amounts. If large amount swallowed or symptoms persist, consult physician.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical or CO2. Avoid strong water jet force.
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water streams can disperse dust into air.
Specific Hazards: Fine dust suspended in air can ignite and explode. Combustion produces carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protection for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full equipment. Cool containers exposed to fire with water. Move material away from fire if possible.
Special Instructions: Remove ignition sources. Prevent dust cloud formation.
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask and goggles to avoid inhalation and eye exposure. Remove sources of ignition from area.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large amounts from entering drains or waterways. Starch is biodegradable but high levels may cause oxygen depletion in water bodies.
Clean Up Methods: Sweep spilled material gently; avoid generating dust clouds. Place in container for reuse or disposal. Wash area with water to remove residues.
Additional Advice: Ventilate area well. Monitor airborne dust with particle sensors if available.
Safe Handling: Minimize airborne dust by using local exhaust ventilation. Handle away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Ground equipment to prevent static discharge.
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep bags or containers tightly closed. Store away from incompatible chemical substances.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides, nitrates) can react with starch.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after use, before eating or drinking.
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated): 15 mg/m3 (total dust), 5 mg/m3 (respirable dust)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear dust mask or respirator in dusty conditions. Use safety goggles to protect eyes. Use gloves for prolonged handling.
General Controls: Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where starch dust is present.
Appearance: Fine white or off-white powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% dispersion): 4.5–7.0
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Combustible as a dust
Explosive Properties: Dust may explode under specific concentrations
Solubility: Insoluble in cold water, forms paste in hot water
Bulk Density: 0.5–0.7 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C (thermal degradation begins)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling.
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high heat, ignition sources, poor ventilation
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (peroxides, nitrates)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (on burning)
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity: Non-toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalational exposure within normal workplace ranges
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence linking starch dust to chronic illness
Skin Sensitization: Rare allergic reactions reported, usually from additives
Eye Contact: Temporary discomfort or mild irritation
Inhalation: Prolonged exposure to dust may cause respiratory tract irritation. No proven risk of long-term damage.
Mutagenicity: No mutagenic effects known
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of adverse effects
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing respiratory conditions (asthma) may be irritated by dust
Environmental Fate: Rapidly biodegradable in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: None expected due to rapid breakdown
Aquatic Toxicity: Not harmful to fish or aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations
Soil Mobility: Low, binds to soil particles and degrades
Persistence: Degrades microbially to carbon dioxide and water
Other Effects: Large releases to water may cause oxygen depletion and encourage bacterial growth
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national laws. Composting preferred for small amounts, landfill for large volumes.
Contaminated Packaging: Reuse containers if possible, otherwise rinse and dispose of as non-hazardous waste.
Special Precautions: Prevent dust generation and spillage during transport and disposal.
Regulatory Disposal Codes: Often not classified as hazardous waste; requirements vary by jurisdiction
UN Number: Not regulated by UN as hazardous cargo
Transport Hazard Class: Not restricted
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labeling Requirements: Standard packaging, no special hazard label required
Special Precautions: Avoid crushing, keep dry, protect from heat and sparks during transport. Ensure containers are properly closed to prevent dust loss.
Bulk Transport: Clean transport vehicles before and after loading. Monitor for accumulation of starch dust in enclosed spaces.
TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
FDA / Food Use: Approved as direct food additive, generally recognized as safe (GRAS)
EU Regulations: Approved for food and industrial use (EINECS: 232-679-6)
OSHA: Dust regulated due to explosion risk, not for toxicity
Other Regulations: Not subject to controlled use under WHMIS, REACH registration not required for naturally occurring polysaccharides
Workplace Labelling: Use dust hazard precautionary signs in work areas
