Benzoic acid
Agent Name
Benzoic acid
CAS Number
65-85-0
Formula
C7-H6-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Acide benzoique [French]; Acido benzoico [Italian]; Benzenecarboxylic acid; Benzeneformic acid; Benzenemethanoic acid; Benzoate; Benzoate (VAN); Benzoesaeure GK; Benzoesaeure GV; Benzoesaeure [German]; Benzoic acid; Benzoic acid (natural); Benzoic acid, tech.; Carboxybenzene; Dracylic acid; E 210; Flowers of benjamin; Flowers of benzoin; HA 1; HA 1 (acid); Kyselina benzoova [Czech]; Phenylcarboxylic acid; Phenylformic acid; Retarder BA; Retardex; Salvo liquid; Solvo powder; Tenn-Plas; Unisept BZA; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Benzoic Acid Derivatives
Description
White crystals or powder; [ICSC]
Sources/Uses
Used as a food and drug preservative; Used as a chemical standard and intermediate; [HSDB]
Comments
A skin and eye irritant; [ICSC] Causes non-immunological contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 218] Benzoic acid alkali salts cause pseudoallergic reactions; [MAK] TLV Basis: Irritation of eye and respiratory tract, and lung damage; "Low level oral exposures are considered safe . . ." [ACGIH] See "Sodium benzoate" and "Potassium benzoate."
Restricted
No longer contained in any registered pesticide products; Cancelled by EPA; [HSDB]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.5 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor
MAK
0.5 mg/m3, respirable fraction (can also occur as vapor and aerosol)
Vapor Pressure
0.00083 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = >26 mg/m3/1H
Explanatory Notes
See MAK value for "Benzoic acid alkali salts." [2020 Guide to Occupational Exposure Values]
Adverse Effects
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Suspected
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: