NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Starch

CAS
9005-25-8

(C6H10O5)n

RTECS
GM5090000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Corn starch, Rice starch, Sorghum gum, alpha-Starch, Starch gum, Tapioca starch
DOT ID & Guide

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 10 mg/m3 (total) TWA 5 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL: TWA 15 mg/m3 (total) TWA 5 mg/m3 (resp)
IDLH
N.D. See: IDLH INDEX
Conversion
Physical Description
Fine, white, odorless powder. [Note: A carbohydrate polymer composed of 25% amylose & 75% amylpectin.]
MW: varies
BP: Decomposes
MLT: Decomposes
Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 1.45
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA
MEC: 50 g/m3
Noncombustible Solid, but may form explosive mixture with air.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Oxidizers, acids, iodine, alkalis
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 0500, 0600
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: Daily
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash
Breathing: Fresh air
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
Not available.
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; cough, chest pain; dermatitis; rhinorrhea (discharge of thin mucus)
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system
See also: INTRODUCTION