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Starch ingestion

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Cooking starch; Laundry starch

Definition    Return to top

Starch is a substance, one form of which is used for cooking, and another of which is used to add firmness and shape to clothing. Starch ingestion occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows starch.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

Cooking and laundry starch are both made from vegetable products, most commonly:

Both are usually considered nonpoisonous (nontoxic), but some older laundry starches may contain:

Where Found    Return to top

Cooking starch and laundry starch are different substances. There are many brand names for both. This list may not include all uses of starch.

Symptoms    Return to top

For cooking starch:

For laundry starch (with very long-term use):

Home Care    Return to top

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following:

Poison Control    Return to top

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room    Return to top

For cooking starch:

You probably will not need to go to the emergency room, unless you are unable to drink fluids or are in severe pain.

For laundry starch:

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Cooking starch is generally not harmful and recovery is likely. Poisonings from laundry starch are more serious.

Update Date: 2/9/2009

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/27/2008).

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.