Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate

This is a concise assessment of the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to benzoic acid and sodium benzoate.

Benzoic acid is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of several compounds, including phenol and caprolactam.

The compound is increasingly used in the production of diethylene and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate plasticizers in adhesive formulations, and to improve the properties of alkyd resins for paints and coatings.

Most releases of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate into the environment result from their use as preservatives in food, beverages, mouthwashes, dentifrices and cosmetics.

For sodium benzoate, the largest use is as an anticorrosive added to antifreeze coolants.

Processed foodstuffs and soft drinks are considered the main sources of exposure for the general population.