Usage and safety of benzoic acid

Although it is not the most dangerous chemical substance you may find in the workplace, proper handling of benzoic acid is necessary to avoid injuries and health risks at work. Benzoic acid is a white crystalline powder with a weak, non irritating odor. It is a naturally occurring compound in many plants and an important precursor for the synthesis of many other organic substances.

Benzoic acid is most commonly found in industrial environments and is used to manufacture various products, such as perfume, dyes, topical drugs and insect repellents.

Benzoate (sodium benzoate) is commonly used as a pH regulator and preservative in food to prevent microbial growth and ensure food safety. Its working principle is to change the internal pH value of microorganisms to an acidic state that is incompatible with their growth and survival (opened in a new label).

Safety precautions for handling benzoic acid

Benzoic acid is non-toxic and stable under general conditions. Although occupational exposure limits have not been determined, benzoic acid may still pose a health risk, therefore safe work practices should always be followed:

Wash hands thoroughly after handling

Only use in well ventilated areas

Reduce the generation and accumulation of dust

Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing

Wash clothes before reuse

Avoid inhaling dust

Short and long-term effects of exposure to benzoic acid

Immediately or shortly after exposure to benzoic acid, it can have the following health effects:

Eye injury

Skin irritation leading to rash, redness, and/or burning sensation

Irritating the nose, throat, and lungs after inhalation may cause coughing, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath

In addition to the effects of short-term exposure, prolonged or repeated exposure to benzoic acid can lead to dry and cracked skin, accompanied by redness, swelling, and itching. Exposure to high concentrations of benzoic acid, especially in susceptible populations, may cause skin allergies. If allergies occur, even exposure to extremely low concentrations can cause itching and rash.

Benzoic acid exposure management

If you have already come into contact with benzoic acid, please take the following steps:

Eye contact

Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If wearing contact lenses, be sure to remove them before rinsing. Seek medical assistance.

Skin contact

Quickly remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash contaminated skin with a large amount of soap and water. Seek medical assistance.

inhalation

The patient should be removed from the exposed environment and immediately transferred to a place with fresh air. Seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion

Seek medical assistance immediately. Rinse your mouth and drink 2-4 cups of milk or water. Do not induce vomiting.

Dealing with Benzoic Acid Leakage

When benzoic acid leaks:

Evacuate personnel and control the entrance to the area

Eliminate all sources of ignition

Clean using a high-efficiency particulate filter vacuum cleaner and dispose of in a sealed container

After cleaning, ventilate and clean the area

Do not flush water into the sewer

Safe storage of benzoic acid

Benzoic acid should be stored in a cool, dry, and well ventilated closed container. Keep away from heat sources, ignition sources, and incompatible substances such as oxidants (such as peroxides) and strong alkalis (such as sodium hydroxide (opened in new labels).

It may be necessary to control and dispose of benzoic acid as a hazardous waste. Contact your state’s Environmental Protection Agency (open in a new tab) for specific advice.