High-pressure cornstarch inhalation—A rare but life-threatening occupational injury

Abstract

Cornstarch is a white, taste- and odorless powder widely used for food processing, papermaking, production of industrial adhesives, and is also a component of many cosmetic products. We herein report a case of severe cornstarch inhalation in a 49-year-old male who was exposed to high amounts of cornstarch powder while unloading a cornstarch transporter system. To our knowledge this is the first report on a high-pressure cornstarch inhalation during occupational activities. This report demonstrates the initial clinical situation, the patient’s symptoms, and the severe clinical course. Finally the problems during the management of this rare but life-threatening accident are discussed.

Keywords::

• Cornstarch
• starch
• inhalation injury
• high-pressure inhalation
• occupational injury
• pulmonary aspiration