Product Name: Corn Starch
Chemical Name: Starch, maize
SYNONYMS: Maize starch, Zea mays starch
Recommended Use: Food ingredient, pharmaceutical additive, industrial applications
Supplier: Food production companies, chemical suppliers, pharmaceutical firms
Emergency Contact: Local health and safety authority or supplier’s emergency contact line
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Hazard Statements: Dust may form explosive mixture with air; may cause mechanical irritation to respiratory tract, eyes, and skin
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust accumulation, maintain good ventilation, minimize dust generation during handling
Other Hazards: Corn starch dust, if suspended in air at sufficient concentrations, can ignite and result in a dust explosion
Chemical Name: Starch
Common Name: Corn starch
CAS Number: 9005-25-8
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of plant proteins and fibers; food-grade products screened for allergens; industrial grades can hold small quantities of other carbohydrates or moisture
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention if coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath persists
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice for persistent irritation or rash
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, lifting eyelids to ensure complete irrigation; remove contact lenses; continue rinsing for several minutes and seek medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; drink water to dilute; seek medical advice if symptoms persist; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams may spread dust and increase risk of airborne ignition
Special Hazards: Corn starch dust is combustible; dust mixtures in enclosed areas can cause explosions
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus due to toxic gases released by incomplete combustion
Advice: Remove all sources of ignition; contain run-off from fire control water as it can become slippery and hazardous at site
Personal Precautions: Use proper respiratory protection to avoid inhaling dust; wear safety goggles and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains and waterways due to slippage and risk of clogging
Cleanup Methods: Avoid creating dust; sweep up material with non-sparking tools; place collected product into appropriate containers for reuse or disposal; ventilate area well after cleanup
Other Considerations: Control sources of ignition; utilize dust explosion-proof equipment in contaminated areas
Handling: Use local exhaust to prevent accumulation of dust in the air; avoid inhaling fine powders; wash hands and exposed skin before breaks and after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers away from oxidizing agents and moisture; keep storage areas cool and dry; avoid stacking bags or containers in a way that restricts ventilation
Technical Measures: Install explosion prevention measures in facilities with large quantities of starch; minimize static electricity buildup using grounding or bonding
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for nuisance dust: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction); ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ for inhalable particles
Engineering Controls: Use mechanical ventilation, dust extraction systems, and avoid accumulation on exposed surfaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Use NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator for airborne dust; safety goggles for eye protection; work gloves to reduce skin irritation; wear protective clothing if repeated or prolonged exposure occurs
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after using the product and before eating or drinking; remove and launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: Fine, white to off-white powder
Odor: Odorless or faint cereal-like smell
pH: 5-7 (10% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: Decomposes without melting at high temperatures
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable, though airborne dust is explosive above specific concentrations
Explosive Properties: Dust forms explosive mixtures with air at concentrations above minimum explosible concentration (MEC)
Solubility: Insoluble in cold water, forms colloidal suspension in hot water
Density: 1.5-1.6 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Viscosity: Not applicable for solid form
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Hazardous Reactions: Airborne dust and ignition sources can result in explosions, especially in poorly ventilated or enclosed areas
Decomposition Products: On burning, may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other organic compounds
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flame, sparks, static electricity, high humidity
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low; large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; inhalation may lead to mild respiratory irritation or coughing
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild, temporary irritation from repeated or prolonged exposure; not classified as a skin irritant
Eye Damage/Irritation: Mechanical irritation due to particles
Respiratory Sensitization: Exposure to large amounts over a long period may trigger pre-existing allergies or asthma
Chronic Effects: Long-term overexposure to dust increases risk of nose and throat irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Other Information: No known mutagenic or reproductive hazards
Ecotoxicity: Biodegradable; low potential to cause harm in aquatic environments in usual quantities
Persistence and Degradability: Readily degraded by naturally occurring microorganisms in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Little to none; not expected to build up in animals or plants
Mobility in Soil: Limited; binds to soil particles and is metabolized by soil organisms
Other Adverse Effects: In large spills, may create oxygen demand and cause deoxygenation in water, resulting in fish injury or death
Waste Methods: Dispose via landfill, compost, or incineration at approved facilities; avoid disposal in natural waterways
Container Disposal: Rinse and recycle or dispose of in compliance with municipal waste regulations
Other Precautions: Prevent bulk quantities from causing blockages in wastewater or drainage systems; clean up spills promptly to avoid fermentation and odor development
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for road, rail, sea, or air transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Prevent dust formation and ignition during transport; keep packaging sealed, dry, and secure
Environmental Hazards: Corn starch does not present direct environmental transport risks
OSHA: Treated as a nuisance dust under Standard 29 CFR 1910.1000
TSCA: Listed substance
DSL/NDSL: Listed on Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL)
EU Regulations: Reach compliant, not classified as hazardous
Food Additive (FDA/EU): Approved for use in food under current food additive regulations
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not considered hazardous
Other Local Laws: May require dust control measures in work environments with elevated exposure
