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

• 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.

For cooking starch:

• Gastrointestinal
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Stomach area pain

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

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Significantly decreased urine output (or none)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Jaundice (eyes become yellow)
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Convulsions
  • Collapse
  • Fever
  • Low blood pressure
• Skin
  • Blisters
  • Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails
  • Flaking skin
  • Yellow skin
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Convulsions
  • Drowsiness
  • Twitching of the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Twitching of the facial muscles

If the starch is inhaled it may cause wheezing, rapid breathing, shallow breathing, and chest pain.

If the starch contacts the eyes it may cause redness, tearing and burning.