Starch poisoning

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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 poisoning 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.

Cooking starch poisoning; Laundry starch poisoning

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

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• Corn
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Wheat

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

• Borax
• Magnesium salts
• Polishing agents

• Cooking starch
• Cosmetic products
• Laundry products (laundry starch)

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

Review Date: 01/30/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).