Chemical Name: Benzoic Acid.
Chemical Formula: C7H6O2.
Common Names: Benzenecarboxylic acid, Carboxybenzene.
Appearance: White, crystalline powder or flakes.
Odor: Faint, non-irritating.
Uses: Food preservative, intermediate in the manufacture of various chemicals, laboratory reagent.
Hazard Class: Irritant.
Potential Effects: Can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues if inhaled in dust form, and gastrointestinal discomfort if swallowed.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (for irritant properties).
Risk of Dust: Fine particles may aggravate asthma or lung conditions.
Other Risks: No major chronic hazards identified but long-term or repeated contact may increase sensitivity in some people.
Main Component: Benzoic Acid (>99%).
Chemical Family: Aromatic carboxylic acid.
Impurities: Usually negligible for laboratory and industrial grades.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and relax breathing; seek medical attention if coughing or breathing problems continue.
Skin Contact: Wash areas thoroughly with soap and water to remove residue.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water for several minutes and remove contact lenses if present; consult a professional if discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink water; avoid inducing vomiting; get medical help if stomach upset or other symptoms appear.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, water spray, foam, or carbon dioxide.
Combustion Risks: Releases irritating or toxic fumes like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Precautions: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear.
Special Considerations: Melts and flows when exposed to heat, potentially spreading flames.
Personal Protection: Use gloves, goggles, and dust mask or respirator.
Containment: Scoop spilled material into suitable containers; minimize dust generation.
Cleaning: Clean surface with damp cloth or mop once bulk material is removed.
Environmental Precaution: Prevent run-off into water sources; avoid release to soil and drains.
Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area; avoid creating and breathing dust; wash hands after handling.
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, stored in a dry, cool spot away from incompatible substances like oxidizing agents.
Avoid: Moisture, strong acids, and bases.
Work Practices: Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in work spaces.
Ventilation: Local exhaust or general room ventilation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or PVC), safety goggles, dust mask for prolonged exposure.
Skin/Wash Facilities: Access to running water for washing.
Occupational Limits: No specific exposure limits established for Benzoic Acid; general dust limits (particulates not otherwise regulated) usually apply.
Physical State: Solid, flake or powder.
Color: White.
Melting Point: About 122°C.
Boiling Point: 249°C (decomposes before boiling at atmospheric pressure).
Solubility: Low in water, higher in alcohol and other organic solvents.
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature.
Odor Threshold: Subtle, not pungent.
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and with proper storage.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents to produce carbon dioxide and water.
Hazardous Decomposition: May produce carbon monoxide, irritating fumes when heated strongly or burned.
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, but ingestion or inhalation in high concentrations may cause stomach upset, headache, or throat irritation.
Skin/Eye Effects: Known to cause mild to moderate irritation on contact; repeat exposure increases risk.
Chronic Risks: Repeated exposure possibly exacerbates sensitivity in certain individuals; no evidence of carcinogenicity in humans.
Sensitization: Uncommon, but possible in individuals with existing sensitivities.
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate toxicity to some fish and aquatic organisms.
Persistence: Breaks down fairly quickly in soil and water with exposure to microorganisms.
Bioaccumulation: Does not build up significantly in organisms.
Disposal Impact: Large releases can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and water treatment operations.
Waste Management: Place in sealed, labeled containers for disposal by licensed firm or municipal waste handler.
Disposal: Do not wash into sewers, water bodies, or dump in open landfill; use incineration or landfill that meets local rules.
Special Precautions: Follow local environmental legislation for hazardous waste.
UN Classification: Not regulated as a hazardous material for land, sea or air transport at standard quantities.
Packing Guidelines: Use moisture-proof containers, keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Handling in Transit: Avoid stacking heavy loads on top of containers; secure to avoid spills.
OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA regulations, but workplace safety rules about handling chemicals apply.
TSCA Inventory: Benzoic Acid appears on the TSCA inventory, meaning importation and commercial uses are permitted in the USA.
SARA Title III: Not classified for special reporting requirements.
International Listings: Approved as a food additive (E210) in many countries, but subject to concentration limits.
Worker Protection: Subject to general chemical handling safety laws.