Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used as emulsifier, stabiliser, whipping aid, protective colloid, tablet coating, film
former; in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. As thickener in soups, Food Additive
1440

SYNONYMS

"starch, 2-hydroxypropyl ether", "starch, 2-hydroxypropyl ether", HPS, "hydroxy propyl
starch ether", "hydroxy propylstarch", "hydroxypropyl ether of starch", "2-hydroxypropyl
ether of starch", "2-hydroxypropyl ether of starch", "oxypropylated starch", propoxylated,
"Food Additive 1440", Amylotex, "Aquaphase PPT", "Emsize E1 E2 E3", "Hamaco 267",
Perfectamyl, "Purity 40 59", "Reppal 200", PES200, "Solfurex A8"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Considered to be non toxic.  Use as a food additive indicates good tolerance of small amounts, but excessive amounts or overuse may bring irritant and / or harmful effects.  Starch has such a low oral acute toxicity that rats given 10-20% of their body weight, show only minimal effects. This may not be true of modified starches but given their use in foods as stabilisers and thickeners, there is probably little cause for concern.  An abnormal craving for starch (amylophagia), during pregnancy, is recognised as a common form of eating disorder in certain localities. In one study the incidence was as high as 35%. Some women retain the habit for years and may ingest several kilograms of starch daily.  Since starch, in such "addicts", accounts for the bulk of the diet, the commonly observed iron-deficiency anaemia is probably the result of the practice and not its cause. Less common complications include parotid gland enlargement and partial intestinal obstruction due to starch concretions (gastroliths). Withdrawal reverse these sequelae.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Indicators are that short term exposure to the material by all routesis not harmful.  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of generated dust.  Studies indicate that diets containing large amounts of non-absorbable polysaccharides, such as cellulose, might decrease absorption of calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.  Some workers may develop chronic occupational dermatitis (generally mild) through the handling of starch products.  When starch is used as a lubricant in surgical gloves, small amounts, released into the patient during the course of surgery, have resulted in granulomas and peritonitis.