Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROXYPROPYL DISTARCH PHOSPHATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Reagent.

SYNONYMS

"starch, hydrogen phosphate, 2-hydroxypropyl ether", "starch, hydrogen phosphate, 2-
hydroxypropyl ether", "2-hydroxypropyl ether hydrogen phosphate starch", "2-hydroxypropyl
ether hydrogen phosphate starch"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

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.  As absorption of phosphates from the bowel is poor, poisoning this way is less likely. Effects can include vomiting, tiredness, fever, diarrhea, low blood pressure, slow pulse, cyanosis, spasms of the wrist, coma and severe body spasms.  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

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and 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.  Sodium phosphate dibasic can cause stones in the kidney, loss of mineral from the bones and loss of thyroid gland function.