INFORMATION REGARDING BENZOIC ACID
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~rT6iS5:1
Evidence for Carcinogenicity:
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to
human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data and inadequate
data from animal bioassays. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL
CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate.
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
A TRAINED CHEM WORKER SUFFERED FROM ALLERGIC
REACTIONS OF INCREASING INTENSITY WHILE BEING CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO BENZOIC
ACID DURING WORK. AFTER ORAL EXPOSURE HE SUFFERED A SEVERE ANAPHYLACTIC
SHOCK AND SHOWED MILDER REACTIONS LATER WHEN EATING FOOD CONTAINING BENZOIC
ACID.
A 67 KG MAN ... INGESTED SINGLE DOSES OF 50 G
WITHOUT ILL EFFECTS ... LARGE ORAL DOSES PRODUCE GASTRIC PAIN, NAUSEA, AND
VOMITING.
Of 100 patients with asthma undergoing
provocation tests with benzoic acid, 47 showed positive
reactions.
DAILY INTAKE OF 4 TO 6 G DOES NOT CAUSE TOXIC
SYMPTOMS ASIDE FROM SLIGHT GASTRIC IRRITATION. LARGER DOSES HAVE SYSTEMIC
EFFECTS NOT UNLIKE THOSE OF SALICYLATES.
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Dust irritating to nose and throat if inhaled;
solid irritating to skin and eyes. At elevated temp, fumes may cause irritation
of eyes, resp system, and skin.
Mildly irritating to mucous membranes
Populations at Special Risk:
Of 100 patients with asthma undergoing
provocation tests with benzoic acid, 47 showed positive
reactions.
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
The general population will be exposed to benzoic
acid thru the ingestion of foods such as berries and prunes that contain
the chemical naturally as well as from that to which it is added as a
preservative. In addition, exposure would result from inhalation of aerosols
from auto exhaust, tobacco smoke, and other combustion sources. Occupational
exposure to benzoic acid should primarily be through
dermal contact or inhalation of aerosols containing it. (SRC)
34,654 workers are potentially exposed to benzoic
acid based on statistical estimates derved from the NIOSH Survey
conducted 1981-83 in the USA (1)
Average Daily Intake:
AIR INPUT: insufficient data; WATER INPUT:
insufficient data; FOOD INPUT: 312 mg (278 mg as sodium benzoate
and 34 mg as benzoic acid) (1).
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Evidence for Carcinogenicity:
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to
human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data and inadequate
data from animal bioassays. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL
CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate.
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
BENZOIC ACID (2%) AS
FOUND IN SOME PRESERVED PET FOODS WAS TOXIC TO CATS. THE /INVESTIGATORS/ SUGGEST
THAT THE LARGEST AMOUNT THAT COULD BE FED DAILY TO CATS WAS 0.2 G/KG.
0.5 mg/l of benzoic acid did
not affect growth of blue-green alga, Anabaena flos-aquae.
A 4% soln ... was injected iv daily /in brown
rabbits/. ... Animals were killed with a gas embolus after 12 hr to 3 days.
Histologically, exudative detachment of the retinal neuroepithelium from the
pigment epithelium was found. The toxic /effects/ appeared ... predominantly on
the layer of rods and cones. ... Acid mucopolysaccharides appeared to be
increased in the rod and cone layer, but also irregularly in other parts of the
retina.
FLOWER-INDUCING EFFECT OF BENZOIC
ACID IN VARIOUS STRAINS OF LEMNA PAUCICOSTATA AND L MINOR WAS
INVESTIGATED. BENZOIC ACID IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN
SALICYLIC ACID FOR ALL STRAINS OF L PAUCIOSTATA, BUT THE CONTRARY IS TRUE FOR
TWO L MINOR STRAINS.
An early fall in blood bilirubin concn without
any change in skin bilirubin content was observed in rats after ip benzoic
acid administration. Under these conditions blood bilirubin concn
remained low. A dose-dependent decrease in skin bilirubin content was observed
24 and then 48 hr after injection. At 8 days after benzoic
acid injection, blood and skin bilirubin contents had returned to control
values. Apparently, the effect of benzoic acid on
bilirubin levels is due to a shift in the distribution equilibrium of the
pigment between serum, skin, and other tissues.
The effects of toluene on lipid peroxidation
and rates of reactive oxygen species formation have been studied in isolated
systems and in vivo. The induction of reactive oxygen species was assayed using
the probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Toluene exposure (1 g/kg, 1 hr, ip)
did not stimuate cortical lipid peroxidation as evaluated by measurement of
conjugated dienes. Exposure to toluene, however, both in vivo and in vitro,
caused a significant elevation of reactive oxygen species formation within
cortical crude synaptosomal fractions and microsomal fractions. The reactive
oxygen species inducing properties of toluene were blocked in vivo in the
presence of a mixed-function oxidase inhibitor, metyrapone. This suggested that
a metabolite of toluene may catalyze reactive oxygen formation. Both benzyl
alcohol and benzoic acid, in vitro, were found to have
free radical quenching properties, while benzaldehyde exhibited significant
induction of reactive oxygen species generation. It appears that benzaldehyde is
the metabolite responsible for the effect of toluene in accelerating reactive
oxygen production within the nervous system. Benzaldehyde may also contribute to
the overall neurotoxicity of toluene.
TSCA Test Submissions:
The effects of subchronic exposure to benzoic
acid (BA) were evaluated in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats
(10/sex/group) exposed by inhalation to 0, 0.025, 0.25 or 1.2 mg BA/L (generated
as a dust aerosol with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter of 4.7 um) for 6
hrs/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. All high- and mid-dose animals exhibited upper
respiratory tract irritation (red material around the nares). Two animals
(1/sex) died in the high-dose group. There were statistically significant
differences observed between treated and control animals in the following
(high-dose group unless noted otherwise): decreased body weight gain, random
differences in hematological data and serum biochemical evaluation (not
considered to be exposure related except for a related decrease in the number of
platelets), and decreased absolute and relative weights of liver (males), kidney
(females, high- and mid-dose levels), and trachea/lung (females). The incidence
of slight multifocal and generalized interstitial fibrosis and inflammatory cell
infiltrate in treated animals were high compared to controls (not dose-related).
No compound-related macroscopic lesions were observed in any of the rats. There
were no deaths, no significant effects on body weight gain, and hematologic or
biochemical parameters in the low- or mid-dose animals relative to the negative
controls.
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism/Metabolites:
BENZOIC ACID ... CONJUGATED
WITH GLYCINE TO GIVE HIPPURIC ACID IN ... MANY MAMMALS (MAN, MONKEYS, PIG,
RABBIT, RODENTS, CAT, DOG, FERRET & HEDGEHOG). DOG, FERRET, & HEDGEHOG
ALSO EXCRETED ... BENZOYL GLUCURONIDE ... BUT INDIAN FRUIT BAT EXCRETED ALMOST
ALL DOSE AS BENZOYL GLUCURONIDE.
IN BIRDS CLASSED AS ANSERIFORMES (DUCK, GOOSE)
& GALLIFORMES (HEN, TURKEY), GLYCINE IS REPLACED BY ORNITHINE SO THAT BENZOIC
ACID IS EXCRETED AS DIBENZOYLORNITHINE (ORNITHURIC ACID). ... ORNITHINE
CONJUGATION DOES NOT OCCUR IN ALL CLASSES OF BIRDS.
... UNSUBSTITUTED BENZOIC
ACID ... IS RAPIDLY METABOLIZED /BY MICROORGANISMS IN SOIL/ TO
BENZOYLASPARTIC ACID & BENZOYLGLUCOSIDE, TO SALICYLIC ACID & ITS
GLUCOSIDE, & TO @ LEAST SIX OTHER UNIDENTIFIED CMPD.
YIELDS BENZOYL-BETA-D-GLUCURONIC ACID IN
RABBIT, HEN, DOG, RAT, DOG, MONKEY, PIG, FERRET, HEDGEHOG, BAT, PIGEON; MAN;
DOG, GUINEA PIG, RAT, CAT, HEN, RABBIT; HEN, DUCK, GOOSE, PIGEON, CROW, AND
PARROT; YIELDS BENZOYL-BETA-D-GLUCOSE IN COCKROACH; YIELDS BENZOYLAGMATINE IN
SCORPION AND IN PERIPATUS; YIELDS BENZOYLARGININE IN SCORPION PERIPATUS;
BOOPHILUS, EPERIA, TEGENARIA, MITOPUS, AND PHALANGIUM; YIELDS BENZALDEHYDE IN
ASPERGILLUS NEUROSPORA, AND POLYSTICTUS; YIELDS BENZOYLGLUTAMINE IN MITOPUS;
YIELDS BENZOYLHISTIDINE IN PERIPATUS. /FROM TABLE/
YIELDS M-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID IN RABBIT; YIELDS
M-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, P-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID IN ASPERGILLUS; YIELDS P-HYDROXYBENZOIC
ACID IN PLANTS; YIELDS P-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID IN POLYPORUS TRICHODERMA, AND
YEAST. /FROM TABLE/
ARACHNIDA, PARTICULARLY CATTLE TICK (BOOPHILUS
DECOLORATUS) ALSO FORM GLUTAMINE & GLUTAMIC ACID CONJUGATES OF BENZOIC
ACID, & SCORPION (PALAMNAEUS SP) FORMS AGMATINE CONJUGATE. IT IS
CONSIDERED THAT ARGININE & GLUTAMINE CONJUGATES ARE PRIMARY METABOLITES,
& GLUTAMIC ACID & AGMATINE CONJUGATES ARE FORMED FROM THESE ... .
The in vitro metabolism of 14(C) toluene by
liver microsomes and liver slices from male Fischer F344 rats and human subjects
has been compared. Rat liver microsomes produced only benzyl alcohol from
toluene. Liver microsomes from human subjects metabolized toluene to benzyl
alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid. Liver
microsomes from one human donor also produced p-cresol and o-cresol. The overall
rate of toluene metabolism by human liver microsomes was 9-fold greater than by
rat liver microsomes. Human liver microsomal metabolism of benzyl alcohol to
benzaldehyde required the reduced form of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide
phosphate and was inhibited by carbon monoxide and high pH (pH 10), but was not
inhibited by ADP-ribose or sodium azide. These results suggest that cytochrome
p450, rather than alcohol dehydrogenase, was responsible for the metabolism of
benzyl alcohol to benzaldeyde. Human and rat liver slices metabolized toluene to
hippuric acid and benzoic acid. The overall rate of
toluene metabolism by human liver slices was 1.3-fold greater than by rat liver
slices. Cresols and cresol conjugates were not detected in human or rat liver
slice incubations. Covalent binding of 14(C) toluene to human liver microsomes
and slices was 21-fold and 4-fold greater than to the comparable rat liver
preparations. Covalent binding did not occur in the absence of nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide phosphate, was significantly decreased by coincubation with
cysteine, glutathione, or superoxide dismutase, and was unaffected by
coincubation with lysine. Protease and ribonuclease digestion decreased the
amount of toluene covalently bound to human liver microsomes by 78% and 27%,
respectively. Acid washing of human liver microsomes had no effect on covalent
binding. These results suggest that human liver microsomes metabolize toluene to
a reactive metabolite that is covalently bound to both microsomal protein and
RNA, and that covalent binding does not occur by Schiff base formation. It was
concluded that toluene metabolism by human liver preparations and is
significantly underestimated if the male Fischer 344 rat is used as a model of
human toluene metabolism.
The quantitative metabolism of benzaldehyde
was studied in male New Zealand white rabbits treated with single oral doses of
0.35 or 0.75 g/kg benzaldehyde by gavage. A control group received 0.75 g/kg
water. Urine samples collected for 15 consecutive days after treatment were
analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Gas chromatography showed
the presence of free benzoic acid, hyppuric acid, and
benzylmercapturic acid in the urines of rabbits administered benzaldehyde. The
average amounts excreted in the low and high dose groups, expressed as a
percentage of the oral dose received, were 1.6 and 1.4% free benzoic
acid, 69.9 and 66.7% hippuric acid, 8.8 and 11.2% benzoylglucuronic acid,
and 2.9 and 3.0% benzylglucuronide, respectively. Benzylmercapturic acid was
present in trace amounts. No benzyl sulfate ester and no free benzyl alcohol
were found in the urine of treated or control rabbits. It was suggested that
urinary excretion of glucuronides may be used as an auxiliary index to determine
the degree of saturation of the body detoxication mechanisms.
Reports on fatal benzyl alcohol poisoning in
premature neonates implied that the toxicity may be due to larger doses per
kilogram than for adults. It has been postulated that the load of benzoic
acid (metabolite of benzyl alcohol) may exceed the capacity of the
immature liver or kidney for detoxification through glycine conjugation to form
hippuric acid. To test this hypothesis, 14 term and 9 preterm neonates receiving
loading doses of phenobarbital containing benzyl alcohol were studied. Urine and
serum benzoic and hippuric acid levels were measured by gas chromatography and
high performance liquid chromatography methods, respectively. There was greater
accumulation of benzoic acid in the serum of preterm
compared to the term neonates which was reflected in higher normalized peak
levels (2130.6 vs 237.8 kg/l, p less than 0.001) and larger normalized AUCIV
(1,253.2 vs 483.0 kg hr/l, p less than 0.01). Furthermore, larger percentages of
benzyl alcohol doses were found in urine as benzoic acid in
preterm babies, while less hippuric acid appeared in their urine than term
newborns. These results indicate that hippuric acid formation is deficient in
preterm neonates. Although the specific toxic signs described as part of the
benzyl alcohol toxicity syndrome were not encountered, the issue of safety of
'low doses' of benzyl alcohol as found in some medications administered to
neonates cannot be answered. This study confirms the immaturity of the benzoic
acid detoxification process in premature newborns.
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
When taken by mouth, benzoic
acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is
conjugated with glycine in the liver to form hippuric acid which is rapidly
excreted in the urine within 12 hr; up to 97% may be excreted in the first 4 hr.
When taken in large doses, some benzoic acid may be
excreted as benzolyglucuronic acid.
Ruminants excrete much larger quantities of
aromatic acids, such as benzoic acid, in their urine
than do nonruminants, particularly when they are fed a high-roughage diet.
EXCRETED MAINLY AS HIPPURIC ACID BY ALMOST ALL
VERTEBRATES, EXCEPT FOWL.
(14)C WAS EXCRETED @ DIFFERENT RATES FROM
VARIOUS SPECIES FOLLOWING ORAL DOSE OF (14)C-BENZOIC ACID. IN
24-HR URINE, MAN EXCRETED 100%, HAMSTER 99%, DOG 94%, GUINEA PIGS 79%, FERRET
69%, RABBIT 60%, MOUSE 55%, PIG 50% & SQUIRREL MONKEY 48%. MAN RECEIVED
ONE-FIFTIETH OF DOSE (52 + OR - 4 MG/KG) GIVEN TO OTHER SPECIES.
BILIARY EXCRETION ... IN DIFFERENT SPECIES. %
OF DOSE EXCRETED IN 3 HR: RAT 1.2, GUINEA PIG 1.7, RABBIT 0.7, DOG 0.8, CAT 1.2,
HEN 0.5.
... BENZOIC ACID ... IS
REPORTED TO APPEAR IN HUMAN SWEAT. ...
FIFTY-FIVE PERCENT BENZOIC
ACID IN 0.1 N HYDROCHLORIC ACID WAS ABSORBED IN 1 HR FROM RAT STOMACH.
Interspecies comparisons suggest that the
weaning pig is a suitable surrogate for man in percutaneous absorption studies.
Despite known anatomical and physiological similarities between porcine and
human skin, very few investigations of percutaneous absorption phenomena have
been conducted in pigs. This study examined radiolabel excretion patterns after
iv and topical administration of six 14(C) radiolabeled compounds in weanling
Yorkshire sows. Radiolabel recovery from excrement collected over 6 days
following iv doses in physiological saline (200 ug, 10 uCi) showed that
malathion, parathion, caffeine, and benzoic acid were
primarily excreted into urine (>80%), while greater fractions of testosterone
(72%) and progesterone (35%) were fecally eliminated. Percutaneous absorption
was determined from total urine and fecal excretion of radiolabel after topical
application, corrected for incomplete excretion following iv administration.
Topical doses in ethanol (200 ug, 10 uCi) were applied at a surface
concentration of 40 ug sq cm and penetrated in the following rank order
(percentage dose): benzoic acid (25.7%) >
progesterone (16.2%) > caffeine (11.8%) > testosterone (8.85) >
parathion (6.7%) > malathion (5.2%). Fecal clearances of radiolabel,
expressed as a percentage of total excretion, were greater after topical
administration for four of the six compounds (benzoic acid, caffeine,
parathion, and testosterone, p< 0.05). Cacculations based on urinary
excretion alone underestimated percutaneous absorption determined from total
excretion by 5-30%, although the difference between the two estimates was
statistically significant only for caffeine (p< 0.05). These results suggest
that percutaneous absorption estimates based on urinary radiolabel excretion
alone should be interpreted with caution whenever compounds with unknown
penetration characteristics are used. Factors known to affect human skin
absorption, such as applied dose, anatomical region, sex, age, various vehicles
and solvents, and differences in cutaneous metabolism, should be more closely
examined in all animals species used to model percutaneous absorption phenomena
in man.
The isolated perfused porcine skin flap has
been developed as an alternative in vitro tool for examining the
pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of percutaneous absorption. In this study,
dosing solutions of seven 14(C) radiolabeled compounds representing three
chemical classes--organic acid/base (benzoic acid, caffeine),
organophosphate pesticides (diisopropylfluorophosphidate, malathion, parathion),
and steroid hormones (progesterone, testosterone) were prepared in ethanol and
applied topically at a surface concentration of 40 ug sq cm to the isolated
perfused procine skin flap. A three compartment pharmacokinetic model used to
stimulate mass transfer from the surface, diffusion through epidermis and
dermis, and transfer into the capillary perfusate, was developed based on flux
through the isolated perfused porcine skin flap from 0 to 8 hr. This basic model
accurately stimulated measured isolated perfused porcine skin flap fluxes for
five of seven compounds, including the organophosphates and steroids. The model
was modified to simulate the shunting of drug to fast and slow release pathways,
which occurred for benzoic acid 3-4 hr postapplication,
and to account for flow dependent flux increases seen for caffeine at 6 hr
postapplication. The latter may be due to a direct pharmacologic effect, since
caffeine is a known vasodilator. Extrapolated (to 6 days) areas under the curve
from the model simulations were compared with in vivo percutaneous absorption
estimates, obtained from 6-day excretion studies in pigs. The in vivo-in vitro
correlation, based on sample linear regression across compounds, was excellent
(R2= 0.88, R= 0.94, p< 0.002). These results suggest that xenobiotic
penetration in the 8 hr isolated perfused porcine skin flap experiments is
highly predictive of in vivo absorption totals (6-day studies). In addition,
since pig and human skin are similar physiologically and pharmacologically, the
isolated perfused porcine skin flap may eventually have applications in
formulating human dermal risk assessent models.
Autoradiography of male /C57BL/ mice following
inhalation of the radioactively labelled solvents toluene, xylene, and styrene,
revealed an accumulation of non-volatile metabolites in the nasal mucosa and
olfactory bulb of the brain. Since no accumulation occurred after benzene
inhalation, it was assumed that the activity represented aromatic acids, which
are known metabolites of these solvents. This was supported by the finding that
radioactive benzoic acid (main metabolite of toluene)
and salicyclic acid accumulated in the olfactory bulb. High performance liquid
chromatography revealed that after toluene inhalation (for 1 hr), nasal mucosa
and olfactory bulb contained mainly benzoic acid, with
a strong accumulation in relation to blood plasma, and considerably less of its
glycine conjugate, hippuric acid. After xylene inhalation, on the other hand,
methyl hippuric acid dominated over the nonconjugated metabolite, toluic acid.
The results indicated a specific, possibly axonal flow mediate transport of
aromatic acids from the nasal muscosa to the olfactory lobe of the brain. The
toxicological signifiance of these results remains to be studied.
The percutaneous absorption of benzoic
acid across human skin in vitro was experimentally and mathematically
modeled. Skin partition coefficients were measured over a range of benzoic
acid concentrations in both saline and water. The permeation of benzoic
acid was measured across isolated stratum corneum, stratum corneum and
epidermis, and split thickness skin. These experiments demonstrated that the
stratum corneum was the rate limiting barrier and that the flux is proportional
to the concentration of the undissociated species. The permeation data were
analyzed with a comprehensive nonsteady state mathematical model of diffusion
across skin. Two adjustable parameters, the effective skin thickness and
diffusivity, were fit to the permeation data by nonlinear regression.
Interactions:
In rat liver microsomes deferoxamine was a
potent inhibitor of the oxidation of the scavenging agent, benzoate.
Nearly complete inhibition was observed at 33-100 uM.
Pharmacology:
Therapeutic Uses:
Antifungal Agents; Food Preservatives
... USED IN COMBINATION WITH SALICYLIC ACID,
AS IN WHITFIELD'S OINTMENT ... IT IS USED ESPECIALLY IN THE TREATMENT OF
ATHLETE'S FOOT & TO LESSER EXTENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF RINGWORM.
MEDICATION (VET): HAS BEEN USED WITH SALICYLIC
ACID AS TOPICAL ANTIFUNGAL
EXPTL USE: PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING WASTE
NITROGEN ACCUMULATION DISEASES IN HUMANS BY ADMINISTERING AT LEAST 1 CMPD
SELECTED FROM GROUP OF BENZOIC ACID, PHENYLACETIC ACID
AND THEIR SALTS IS DISCLOSED. SODIUM BENZOATE, (6.2
G/DAY) GIVEN TO FEMALE PATIENT WITH CARBOPHOSPHATE SYNTHETASE DEFICIENCY
INCREASED TOTAL URINARY NITROGEN EXCRETION 58%.
Interactions:
In rat liver microsomes deferoxamine was a
potent inhibitor of the oxidation of the scavenging agent, benzoate.
Nearly complete inhibition was observed at 33-100 uM.
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
Benzoic acid may be
released into the environment as emissions or, more commonly, in wastewater
during its production and use as a chemical intermediate and additive. Benzoic
acid and sodium benzoate are commonly added to
food products as preservatives and as antimicrobial agents. Formed in combustion
processes, benzoic acid is found in automobile exhaust,
refuse combustion, and tobacco smoke. Benzoic acid is
also widely distributed in nature and naturally occurs in food such as berries.
If released on land, benzoic acid should leach into the
ground due to its low soil adsorption and biodegrade (half-life <1 wk). If
released in water, benzoic acid should also readily
biodegrade (half-life 0.2-3.6 days). Adsorption to sediment and volatilization
should not be significant. While bioconcentration in fish and algae is not
important, there is some evidence that bioconcentration in aquatic species like
daphnia and snails may be considerable. In the atmosphere, benzoic
acid will be largely associated with aerosols, be subject to
gravitational settling, and be scavenged by rain. The general population will be
exposed through ingestion of food containing benzoic acid either
naturally or as an additive. Occupational exposure should be primarily through
dermal contact or inhalation of aerosols containing the chemical. (SRC)
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
The general population will be exposed to benzoic
acid thru the ingestion of foods such as berries and prunes that contain
the chemical naturally as well as from that to which it is added as a
preservative. In addition, exposure would result from inhalation of aerosols
from auto exhaust, tobacco smoke, and other combustion sources. Occupational
exposure to benzoic acid should primarily be through
dermal contact or inhalation of aerosols containing it. (SRC)
34,654 workers are potentially exposed to benzoic
acid based on statistical estimates derved from the NIOSH Survey
conducted 1981-83 in the USA (1)
Average Daily Intake:
AIR INPUT: insufficient data; WATER INPUT:
insufficient data; FOOD INPUT: 312 mg (278 mg as sodium benzoate
and 34 mg as benzoic acid) (1).
Natural Pollution Sources:
OCCURS IN NATURE IN FREE & COMBINED FORMS.
GUM BENZOIN MAY CONTAIN AS MUCH AS 20%. MOST BERRIES CONTAIN APPRECIABLE AMT
(AROUND 0.05%).
... /BENZOIC ACID OCCURS
AS ESTER/ IN PLANT ESSENTIAL OILS, GUMS & RESINS ... .
Cranberries, prunes, ripe cloves, bark of wild
black cherry tree, scent glands of beavers, and oil of anise seeds.
Benzoic acid in the
free state, or in the form of simple derivatives such as salts, esters, and
amides, is widely distributed in nature(1). Gum benzoin may contain as much as
20% benzoic acid and acaroid resin contains 4.5-7% benzoic
acid(1). Natural products containing the free acid include scent glands
of beavers, bark of the black cherry tree, cranberries, berries, prunes, ripe
cloves, and oil of anise seed, and Tolu balsams(1,2).
Artificial Pollution Sources:
Benzoic acid may be
released into the environment as emissions or, more commonly, in wastewater
during its production and use in the manufacture of phenol, benzoate
plasticizers, benzoyl chloride, and other chemicals and in medicinals,
cosmetics, and industrial preservatives(1,2,3). 0.5 g/ton pulp of benzoic
acid is released in the spent chlorination liquor from the bleaching of
sulfite pulp(5). It is formed in combustion processes and it is found in
gasoline and diesel exhaust, refuse combustion, and tobacco smoke(4).
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: If released on land, benzoic
acid will leach into the ground and biodegrade (half-life <1 wk).
After application of contaminated municipal sludge on land in Muskegon County,
MI and tilling to 15 cm, the soil contained 461 ppb of benzoic
acid. The chemical had disappeared from this layer of soil and the next
lower 15 cm within 216 days, when it was next analyzed(1). After deep well
injection with other wastes from a dimethyl terphthalate plant, benzoic
acid, which had averaged 54 ppm in the injected waste, appeared only in
trace quantities in monitoring wells 427-823 m away(1). The degradation of the
acid in the 2-4 yr residence may have resulted from biodegradation or reaction
with subsurface material or other waste components(2).
AQUATIC FATE: If released in water benzoic
acid should readily biodegrade (half-life 0.2-3.6 days). Adsorption to
sediment or volatilization should not be important fate processes. Benzoic
acid was found to be readily degraded in a model ecosystem in which the
measure of degradability, the biodegradability index (polar metabolites/nonpolar
metabolites) was 2.97(1,2).
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: In the atmosphere, benzoic
acid will be largely associated with aerosols, be subject to
gravitational settling and be scavenged by rain. It may photolyze when
associated with material such as sand that catalyse this process. The free vapor
reacts with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated
half-life of 2.0 days. (SRC)
Environmental Biodegradation:
BENZOIC ACID IS
BIODEGRADABLE UNDER AEROBIC CONDITIONS BY BACTERIA PRESENT IN CRUDE MUNICIPAL
WASTEWATER @ LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 200 G/CU M.
BOD after 5 d @ 20 deg C: 1.25-1.65; 1.34-1.4
(std dilution technique, normal sewage seed); 1.36 (std dilution technique,
acclimated sewage seed); after 10 d @ 20 deg C: 1.40 (std dilution technique,
normal sewage seed); after 20 d @ 20 deg C: 1.45
Chemical oxygen demand: 1.88-1.95; theoretical
oxygen demand: 1.96; KMnO4 value: 0.032
Benzoic acid has been
studied extensively and shown to be biodegradable in screening tests. Eleven
laboratories testing a respiratory biodegradability test utilizing an
unacclimated sludge inoculum found benzoic acid to be
readily degradable, obtaining a mean oxygen uptake of 84% of theoretical after
10 days and no lag period before biodegradation commenced(10). Some results from
other investigators are: 99% COD removal in 5 days with acclimated activated
sludge(1); 67% of theoretical BOD removal in 5 days(2); 97% degradation in 20
days by activated sludge where 10% of the benzoic acid was
replaced every 2 days to acclimate activated the sludge(3); 68.2 and 86.9%
mineralization in 5 days by acclimated sludge in salt solution and simulated
industrial effluent, respectively(4); 65.4% mineralization in 5 days by
activated sludge(5); complete disappearance in 1 day using an activated sludge
inoculum(6); 73% of theoretical BOD utilized in 6 days using activated sludge
from 3 municipal sewage plants(7); 74% of theoretical BOD utilized in a 5 day
test with a sewage seed(8); >90% degraded in 2 days using activated
sludge(9); 84.1 and 74.9% of theoretical BOD in 5 days by the standard and sea
water dilution methods, respectively(11).
Using a Captina silt loam inoculum, the
half-life for mineralization of benzoic acid in
solution was 4.5 hr after a 30 min lag(1). Complete degradation occurred in 1
day with a Niagra silt loam inoculum(2).
At concns of 15-18 mg/l, benzoic
acid was biodegraded with half-lives of 0.85 and 3.6 days in a polluted
river and reservoir, respectively(4). Low concentrations of benzoic
acid is rapidly mineralized in both eutrophic and oligotropic lake water
with the rate of disappearance being proportional to its concentration(1,2). At
59 ng/l, over 98% mineralization had occurred in 7 days in both eutropic and
oligatrophic water(1). The half life for mineralization in eutrophic water was
0.22 days over a concn range of 32 ng/l to 50 ug/l(2). From 63-83% of the benzoic
acid was lost in 6 hr and >94% in 58 hr(2). Mineralization was not
usually affected by montmorillonite or kaolinite in the water(3). When benzoic
acid was incubated in an acidic loam soil adjusted to 60% of its water
holding capacity, 74 and 81% was mineralized in 1 and 12 wks(5). The same
experiment using a neutral, sandy loam soil resulted in 55 and 71%
mineralization in 1 and 12 wks(5). After 12 wks, 3.0 and 4.4% of the chemical
was incorporated into the biomass of the two soils(5). In an alkaline para-brown
soil, 40 and 63% mineralization occurred in 3 days and 10 wks, respectively(7).
An experiment was performed in which C14-labeled benzoic acid was
added to subsurface soil taken from the unsaturated zone beneath the tile of a
septic tank and incubated both aerobically and anaerobically(6). Under aerobic
conditions the half-life was 3.9 and 7.3 HR for carboxyl and ring-labeled
chemical, respectively(6). The ring-labeled benzoic acid had
a mineralization half-life of 18.2 hr when incubated anaerobically(6).
Benzoic acid is
biodegradable under anaerobic conditions, indicated by the fact that >75% of
theoretical methane production was obtained when incubated for 8 wk with 10%
sludge from a secondary digester(4). Under anaerobic conditions, 91% of benzoic
acid was converted to methane and carbon dioxide in 18 days including an
8 day lag period(1). In another experiment, 86-93% conversion to methane and
carbon dioxide occurred in 14 days with a sewage sludge inoculum(2). Benzoic
acid was completely mineralized in a week when incubated anaerobically
with municipal digested sludge or in anoxic sediment from a hypereutrophic lake
in Kalamazoo County, MI(3).
Environmental Abiotic Degradation:
The pKa for benzoic acid is
4.205(1), therefore it exists almost exlusively in the dissociated form at
environmental pHs. Benzoic acid absorbs UV radiation up
to approximately 310 nm(6), and therefore may photolyze. In a
photomineralization test in which the chemical is adsorbed on silica gel and
irradiated with light >290 nm, 10.2% mineralization occured in 17 hr(2). When
illuminated with a sunlamp for 24 hr in solution containing zinc oxide, 67%
degradation occurred in 24 hr(5). However it was stable when exposed to sunlight
or a sunlamp for 137 hr in aqueous solution(3). Zinc oxide therefore appears to
possess catalytic activity as does beach sand(5). In the vapor phase, benzoic
acid should react with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals by
aromatic ring addition with an estimated half-life of 2.0 days(4).
Environmental Bioconcentration:
The BCF of benzoic acid in
golden ide and algae (Chorella fusca) was <10 as determined in a 3 and 1 day
static tests, respectively(1). The BCF for trout muscle calculated by regression
analysis from its octanol/water partition coefficient is 14(2). While the BCF of
mosquito fish, alga, and mosquito larvae after 1 day in an aquatic ecosystem is
relatively low (21, 100, and 138, respectively), the BCF in daphnia and snail is
high, 1800 and 2800, respectively(3).
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
Benzoic acid did not
adsorb appreciably to two different sandy soils, a clayey subsoil(1) and
montmorillonite clay(2).
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
Based on the calculated Henry's Law constant
for benzoic acid, 7.0x10-8 atm-cu m/mole(1), it would
not be expected to volatilize significantly from water(2).
Environmental Water Concentrations:
DRINKING WATER: In a five city survey of
drinking water, 15 ppm benzoic acid was found in the
tap water of Otumwa, IA but not in that of Miami, Seattle, Philadelphia, or
Cincinnati(2). Another study found it in water from the Torresdale water
treatment plant in Philadelphia(3). Benzoic acid was
detected, but not quantified, in treated drinking water in England whose source
was a lowland river containing relatively high levels of wastewater(1).
SURFACE WATER: Benzoic acid was
detected, but not quantified, in a Norwegian river downstream from an industrial
treatment facility(1).
GROUND WATER: 16-860 ppb of benzoic
acid were found in 2 aquifers at the Hoe Creek underground coal
gasification site 15 mo after gasification was completed(1). Concns of benzoic
acid in the plumes in shallow, sandy aquifers emanating from landfills in
Ontario were 17->1000 ppb in one aquifer and ND to 8.8 ppb in another(2). The
concn in background monitoring wells was at trace levels (<0.1 ppb) in the
first aquifer and was not determined in the second(2). Two wells monitoring
near-surface groundwater adjacent to an unlined surface impoundment at a
wood-preserving facility at Pensacola, FL contained 3.1 and 27.5 ppm of benzoic
acid while wells 150 m away contained 0-0.01 ppm of the chemical(3). It
is believed that the benzoic acid was rendered from the
wood during treatment or was a degradation product of creosote solutes(3). Benzoic
acid was found in groundwater in Australia underlying an area where acid
wastes from a manufacturing process of a chemical company was stored in unlined
ponds(4). Since the chemical was only found in the aquifer downgradient from the
believed source of pollution and not closer to this source, it was either formed
by bacterial action or came from another source(4).
RAIN/SNOW: Benzoic acid was
found in the particulate fraction of four samples of rain and snow in Norway(1).
While no concns were indicated, the size of the gas chromatography peaks ranged
widely in size(1).
Effluent Concentrations:
0.003 mg/l in primary domestic sewage plant
effluent
In a comprehensive survey of wastewater from
4000 industrial and publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) sponsored by the
Effluent Guidelines Division of the U.S. EPA, benzoic acid was
identified in discharges of the following industrial category (frequency of
occurrence; median concn in ppb): timber products (15; 57.7), leather tanning
(7; 89.6), iron and steel mfg (7; 33.4), petroleum refining (1; 503.3),
nonferrous metals (19; 62.5), paint and ink (36; 162.1), printing and publishing
(18; 228.9), ore mining (13; 32.6), organics and plastics (35; 669.9), inorganic
chemicals (9; 56.6), textile mills (12; 46.9), plastics and synthetics (16;
36.2), pulp and paper (49; 133.3), rubber processing (6; 223.3), soaps and
detergents (2; 148.3), auto and other laundries (13; 127.8), pesticides
manufacture (7; 44.3), photographic industries (2; 69.7), pharmaceuticals (15;
121.6), explosives (4; 20.8), foundries (19; 61.4), porcelain/enameling (4;
176.5), electronics (19; 80.3), electoplating (1; 2.8), oil and gas extraction
(24; 23.8), organic chemicals (16; 241.3), mechanical products (34; 104.2),
transportation equipment (6; 163.5), synfuels (24; 96.3), publicly owned
treatment works (84; 35.9), rum industry (1; 405.3)(1). The highest effluent
concn was 72,124 ppb in the pesticides mfg industry. The paint and ink, and
organics and plastics industries also had maximum effluents exceeding 10,000
ppb(1).
Benzoic acid appeared
in the process exhaust from a phthalic anhydride manufacturing plant without
pollution abatement equipment at concn ranging from 5-40 ppm (v/v)(1). It has
been reported in the exhaust gas from diesel powered vehicles(2) and the concn
in the exhaust from a 1982 Toyota Corolla was 0.164 ppb(3). Extracts of 5
incinerator effluents contained 6-3500 ppm of benzoic acid(4).
Effluent from the Los Angeles County
wastewater treatment plant contained 400 ppb of benzoic acid(5).
It was detected, but not quantified, in the effluent of the publicly owned
treatment works in Addison, IL that accepts waste from over 300 manufacturing
and industrial firms, but not in 9 other treatment facilites sampled in the
state(6). Leachate from a sanitary landfill contained benzoic
acid but it was not quantified(4). Benzoic acid occurred
at concn levels of 1-50 ppm in settling basins and other standing water at the
Valley of the Drums waste site in Bullitt County, KY(1). It was a component of
spent bleach liquor from a softwood kraft pulp plant(2) and averaged 54 ppm in
effluent from a dimethyl terphthalate plant near Wilmington, NC that was
disposed of by deep well injection(3).
Atmospheric Concentrations:
URBAN/SUBURBAN: Los Angeles 1-26 ppt, 10 ppt
mean(1). An unspecified sample of urban air contained benzoic
acid in both the gas and aerosol phases(2). It was contained in the
aerosol fraction of air obtained in a suburban area of Japan 60 km NE of
Tokyo(3). However, it was not detected in the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel, a
tunnel that received considerable traffic(4).
Food Survey Values:
Apple wine and apple essence contain 0.329 and
40 ppm of benzoic acid, respectively(1). Most berries
contain about 0.05% of benzoic acid(2). Benzoic
acid and sodium benzoate are common food
additives, being used as food preservatives at concn of 0.1% and as
antimicrobial agents in food at concn levels of 0.29-0.00001%(1).
Other Environmental Concentrations:
Used motor oil contained 45.3 umol/l of benzoic
acid, although new motor oil did not contain detectable quantities(1).
The chemical was found in fly ash from a municipal waste incinerator in
Ontario(2).
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
FIFRA Requirements:
Residues of benzoic acid are
exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a preservative for
formulation in accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
Benzoic acid is
exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a preservative for
formulations in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.
As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs,
EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their
health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use.
Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data
for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984,
and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all
pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act
of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to
the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists
based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B
containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Benzoic
acid is found on List D. Case No: 4013; Pesticide type: Insecticide,
fungicide; Case Status: OPP is reviewing data from the pesticide's producers
regarding its human health and/or environmental effects, or OPP is determining
the pesticide's eligibility for reregistration and developing the Reregistration
Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): Benzoic
acid; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any
registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."
Acceptable Daily Intakes:
EPA RfD= 4.0 mg/kg
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are
required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is
a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or
greater than its reportable quantity of 5,000 lb or 2,270 kg. The toll free
number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area
(202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated
in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
Atmospheric Standards:
This action promulgates standards of
performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the
Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect
of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and
reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of
continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs,
nonair quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Benzoic
acid is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units
covered under this subpart.
Clean Water Act Requirements:
Designated as a hazardous substance under
section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further
regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations
apply to discharges of this substance.
State Drinking Water Guidelines:
(MN) MINNESOTA 30000 ug/l
(NH) NEW HAMPSHIRE 28,000 ug/l
(FL) FLORIDA 28,000 ug/l
FDA Requirements:
Substance added directly to human food
affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Current usage results in a max
level of 0.1% in food.
Benzoic acid used as
a chemical preservative at a level not exceeding 0.1% in animal drugs, feeds,
and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance
with good manufacturing or feeding practice.
Allowable Tolerances:
Residues of benzoic acid are
exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a preservative for
formulation in accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide fomulations applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
Benzoic acid is
exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a preservative for
formulations in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or
occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
C7-H6-O2
Molecular Weight:
122.13
Color/Form:
Monoclinic tablets, plates, leaflets
WHITE SCALES OR NEEDLE CRYSTALS
Odor:
ODORLESS OR WITH A SLIGHT BENZALDEHYDE-LIKE
ODOR
FAINT, PLEASANT ODOR
Taste:
ALMOST TASTELESS /BENZOIC
ACID USP/
BITTER TASTE
Taste detection 8.5x10+1 ppm /Media and purity
not specified/
Boiling Point:
249.2 DEG C @ 760 MM HG
Melting Point:
122.4 DEG C
Critical Temperature & Pressure:
CRITICAL TEMP: 479 DEG C; CRITICAL PRESSURE:
45 ATM
Density/Specific Gravity:
1.2659 @ 15 DEG C/4 DEG C
Dissociation Constants:
pKa= 4.19
Heat of Combustion:
-771.24 kg cal/g mol wt at 25 deg C
Heat of Vaporization:
15253.3 g cal/g mole
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:
log Kow = 1.87
pH:
2.8 (SATURATED SOLN @ 25 DEG C)
Solubilities:
1 G/300 ML WATER
1 g/23 ml oil of turpentine
1 g/2.3 ml alcohol (cold)
1 G/3 ML ETHER
1 g/30 ml carbon disulfide
1 g/1.5 ml alcohol (boiling)
Sol in volatile and fixed oils; slightly sol
in petroleum ether
12.17 g/100 g benzene @ 25 deg C
15.02 g/100 g chloroform @ 25 deg C
55.6 g/100 g acetone @ 25 deg C
4.14 g/100 g carbon tetrachloride @ 25 deg C
40.8 g/100 g ethyl ether @ 25 deg C
0.94 g/100 g hexane @ 17 deg C
71.5 g/100 g methanol @ 23 deg C
10.6 g/100 g toluene @ 25 deg C
58.4 g/100 g absolute ethanol @ 25 deg C
water solubility = 3.4X10+3 mg/l @ 25 deg C
Spectral Properties:
MAX ABSORPTION (ALCOHOL): 227 NM (LOG E=
4.06); SADTLER REF NUMBER: 779 (IR, PRISM); 162 (IR, GRATING)
IR: 6994 (Coblentz Society Spectral
Collection)
UV: 252 (Sadtler Research Laboratories
Spectral Collection)
NMR: 57 (Sadtler Research Laboratories
Spectral Collection)
MASS: 500 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John
Wiley & Sons, New York)
Intense mass spectral peaks: 77 m/z, 105 m/z,
122 m/z
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.504 @ 132 DEG C/D
Surface Tension:
30 dyn/cm @ 130 deg C
Vapor Density:
4.21 (Air= 1)
Vapor Pressure:
7.0X10-4 mm Hg @ 25 deg C
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
BEGINS TO SUBLIME @ AROUND 100 DEG C; MIXTURES
OF EXCESS BENZOIC ACID & WATER FORM 2 LIQUID PHASES
BEGINNING @ 89.7 DEG C; THE TWO PHASES UNITE @ CRITICAL SOLN TEMP OF 117.2 DEG
C; SOLUBILITY IN WATER INCREASED BY ALKALINE SUBSTANCES
EUTECTIC TEMP (ACETANILIDE): 76 DEG C;
(PHENOLPHTHALEIN) 89 DEG C
Heat of fusion: 33.89 cal/g
MONOMER & DIMER MODELS FOR SOLUBILITY OF BENZOIC
ACID IN SIMPLE BINARY AND TERNARY SOLVENTS ARE REPORTED
Congeals between 121-123 deg C
Sublimation @ 100 deg C; Specific heat 1.1966
cal/g solid (20-122.4 deg C), and 1.774 cal/g liquid (122.4-322 deg C); Heat of
formation @ 26.16 deg C, abs kJ/mol, solid= -38.19; Pressure coefficient of
freezing temp, -0.039 deg C/101.3 kPa (= deg C/atm)
White chips or solid /USP or technical grade/
Light tan chips or solid /Industrial grade/
VOLATILE WITH STEAM
VOLATILE @ WARM TEMPERATURE
Henry's Law constant = 1.08x10-7 atm-cu m/mole
(calc)
vapor pressure = 1 MM HG @ 96.0 DEG C
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin
contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten
substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact.
Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating,
corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be
corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire or explosion: Combustible material: may
burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive
mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors, and sewers explosion hazards. Those
substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when
heated or involved in a fire. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen
gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance
may be transported in a molten form.
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response
Telephone Number. ... Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 to
50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing
which is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or
no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides
limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill
situations.
Evacuation: ... Fire: If tank, rail car or
tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all
directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all
directions.
Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2 or water
spray. Large fires: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.
Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire control
water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Fire involving tanks or
car/trailer loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders
or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with
flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately
in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
Spill or leak: Eliminate all ignition sources
(no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged
containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers,
basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other
non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE
CONTAINER.
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911
or emergency medical service. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not
breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the
substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped
with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer
oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and
shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with
running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading
material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure
(inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that
medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to
protect themselves.
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Dust irritating to nose and throat if inhaled;
solid irritating to skin and eyes. At elevated temp, fumes may cause irritation
of eyes, resp system, and skin.
Mildly irritating to mucous membranes
Fire Potential:
SLIGHT, WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT OR FLAME; CAN
REACT WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS.
BENZOIC ACID IS
BURNED IN OXYGEN AS PRIMARY THERMOCHEMICAL STD TO CALIBRATE OXYGEN BOMB
CALORIMETERS USED IN ... DETERMINATION OF CALORIFIC VALUE OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON
FUELS. IF ... POWDERED (RATHER THAN PELLETED ... ) VERY RAPID COMBUSTION OCCURS
& FLAME FRONT MAY IGNITE & ... BOMB MAY BE DESTROYED.
NFPA Hazard Classification:
Health: 2. 2= Materials that, on intense or
continued (but not chronic) exposure, could cause temporary incapacitation or
possible residual injury, including those requiring the use of respiratory
protective equipment that has an independent air supply. These materials are
hazardous to health, but areas may be entered freely if personnel are provided
with full-face mask self-contained breathing apparatus that provides complete
eye protection.
Flammability: 1. 1= Includes materials that
must be preheated before ignition will occur, such as Class IIIB combustible
liquids and solids and semi-solids whose flash point exceeds 200 deg F (93.4 deg
C), as well as most ordinary combustible materials. Water may cause frothing if
it sinks below the surface of the burning liquid and turns to steam. However, a
water fog that is gently applied to the surface of the liquid will cause a
frothing which will extinguish the fire.
Flash Point:
250 DEG F (121 DEG C) (CLOSED CUP)
Autoignition Temperature:
570 DEG C (1058 DEG F)
Fire Fighting Procedures:
If material on fire or involved in fire: Use
water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding
quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Solid
streams of water may spread fire. Use foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical.
Explosive Limits & Potential:
VAPOR MAY EXPLODE IF IGNITED IN AN ENCLOSED
AREA. BEHAVIOR IN FIRE: VAPOR FROM MOLTEN BENZOIC ACID MAY
FORM EXPLOSIVE MIXT WITH AIR. CONCN DUST MAY FORM EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE.
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
Incompatible with: Oxidants
Hazardous Decomposition:
When heated to decomp it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes.
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
BUREAU OF MINES DUST RESPIRATOR; WHEN MELTED
MATERIAL PRESENT, USE EYE PROTECTION AND ORGANIC RESPIRATOR FOR FUMES.
Wear rubber gloves, a mask, coveralls, a body
shield and self-contained respirator.
Personnel protection: Wear appropriate
chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.
Preventive Measures:
If material not on fire and not involved in
fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out
of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary.
Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors
or dusts. Do not handle broken packages without protective equipment. Wash away
any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or
soap and water.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of
contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of
wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors
including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the
exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the
lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or
corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be
harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn.
In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when
contact lenses are in place.
Stability/Shelf Life:
DURING TRANSPORT: STABLE
Cleanup Methods:
Cover with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix
and add water.
Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig
a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP:
If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be
contained with a flexible impermeable membrane liner./ Cover solids with a
plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.
Environmental considerations: Water spill: If
dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon
at ten times the spilled amount. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove
immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates. Remove trapped material with
suction hoses.
Disposal Methods:
The following wastewater treatment
technologies have been investigated for benzoic acid: concentration
process: biological treatment.
Incineration: Waste material can be burned in
an approved incinerator with an afterburner, as a soln in a flammable solvent or
as a solid packaged in paper, plastic or cardboard.
The following wastewater treatment
technologies have been investigated for benzoic acid: concentration
process: activated carbon.
The following wastewater treatment
technologies have been investigated for benzoic acid: concentration
process: resin adsorption.
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
For Benzoic acid (USEPA/OPP
Pesticide Code: 009101) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for
current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and
so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved
uses./
The active ingredient is no longer contained
in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."
PRESERVING FOODS, FATS, FRUIT JUICES,
ALKALOIDAL SOLN; MFR BENZOATES & BENZOYL COMPOUNDS, DYES; IN CALICO
PRINTING; FOR CURING TOBACCO; AS STD IN VOLUMETRIC AND CALORIMETRIC ANALYSIS
AS ULTRAVIOLET ABSORBER IN PLASTICS
CHEMICAL INT IN SYNTH OF SODIUM BENZOATE
AND BUTYL BENZOATE
Plasticizers, benzoyl chloride; alkyd resins;
food preservative; seasoning tobacco; flavors; perfumes; dentifrices; standard
in analytical chemistry
Production of phenol and caprolactam
Temporary plugging in subterranean formations
in oil production
Corrosion inhibitor
PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR
BENZOIC ACID, USUALLY
IN FORM OF SODIUM SALT, HAS LONG BEEN USED AS ANTIMICROBIAL ADDITIVE IN FOODS.
SODIUM SALT PREFERRED BECAUSE OF LOW AQ SOLUBILITY OF FREE ACID. IN USE SALT IS
CONVERTED TO ACID, ACTIVE FORM.
BENZOIC ACID WAS
EFFECTIVE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF ORAL PHARMACEUTICAL LIQUIDS. INHIBITION OF THE
GROWTH OF MOLDS WAS USED AS A PARAMETER. BENZOIC ACID WAS
THE MOST EFFECTIVE, FOLLOWED BY SORBIC ACID, & ETHYL PARABEN.
HAS BEEN USED TO CONTROL BLACK ROT OF
PINEAPPLE
IN CONCN OF 0.1% IT PREVENTS BACTERIAL &
FUNGAL GROWTH /IN FOOD/ IF MEDIUM IS SLIGHTLY ACIDIC.
MEDICATION (VET)
MEDICATION
Manufacturers:
Kalama Chemical Inc, Hq, The Bank of
California Center, Suite 1110, Seattle, WA 98164, (206) 682-7890; Production
site: Kalama, WA 98625
Pfizer Inc, Hq, 235 E 42nd St, New York, NY
10017, (212) 573-2323; Chemical Division; Production site: Terre Haute, IN 47808
Velsicol Chemical Corp, Hq, 10400 W Higgins
Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, (708) 298-9000; Production site: Chattanooga, TN
37410
Methods of Manufacturing:
Derivation: (a) Decarboxylation of phthalic
anhydride in the presence of catalysts; (b) Chlorination of toluene to yield
benzotrichloride, which is hydrolyzed to benzoic acid; (c)
Oxidation of toluene; (d) From benzoin resin.
LAB PREPN FROM BENZYL CHLORIDE, ... FROM
BENZALDEHYDE.
General Manufacturing Information:
LIMITATIONS OF BENZOIC ACID AS
A MODEL DISSOLUTION SUBSTANCE WAS STUDIED. RESULTS INDICATED THAT BENZOIC
ACID WAS NONIDEAL ON LOWERING THE DISSOLUTION TEMP & SERIOUS
DEVIATION FROM CLASSICAL DIFFUSION WAS OBSERVED.
Formulations/Preparations:
GRADES: TECHNICAL; chemically pure: a grade
designation signifying a minimum of impurities, but not 100% purity. United
States Pharmacopeia ; Food Chemicals Codex
Industrial grade, 97.5%; Technical grade,
99.0%; United States Pharmacopeia , 99.5%
Consumption Patterns:
30% FOR SODIUM BENZOATE;
30% FOR PLASTICIZERS; 20% FOR BENZOYL CHLORIDE; 10% FOR BUTYL BENZOATE;
10% FOR MISC APPLICATIONS INCLUDING SYNTHESIS OF DRILLING MUD ADDITIVES, BENZYL BENZOATE,
AND METHYL BENZOATE (1972)
Phenol, 54%; Plasticizers, 18%; Benzoyl
chloride, 13%; Sodium benzoate, 8%; Alkyd resins, 3%;
Butyl benzoate, 2%; Other 2%, (1985)
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Benzoic
Acid. Phenol, 55%; benzoate plasticizers, 22%;
sodium and potassium benzoate, 8%; benzoylchloride, 7%;
alkylated resins, 3%; others, including butyl benzoate,
sucrose benzoate, USP applications and exports, 5%.
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Benzoic
acid. Demand: 1986: 160 million lb; 1987: 163 million lb; 1991
/projected/: 175 million lb.
U. S. Production:
(1972) 7.06X10+10 G
(1975) 2.87X10+10 G
(1983) 3.22X10+10 g (est)
(1991) 2.68x10+8 lb
U. S. Imports:
(1972) NEGLIGIBLE
(1975) 6.04X10+7 G
(1984) 3.87X10+8 g /Summation of two report
items for Benzoic Acid/
U. S. Exports:
(1972) 2.9X10+8 G
(1975) 8.67X10+8 G
Laboratory Methods:
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
HIGH SPEED LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC
DETERMINATION OF BENZOIC ACID ESTER IN SOY SAUCE.
Gas-liquid chromatography was used to
determine benzoic and sorbic acids content in beverages.
High-performance liquid chromatography was
used to analyze foods for preservatives including benzoic
acid.
Isocratic liquid chromatography was used to
determine the content of aspartame and other additives /including benzoic
acid/ in soft drinks.
Benzoic acid is
absorbed from air on Porapak Q packing in the presence of other compounds,
thermally desorbed at 240 degrees C with helium flow into a capillary column,
and detected with a flame ionization detector. The method is calibrated by
injecting benzoic acid standard solutions into the
Porapak Q. The method was validated with dynamic standards and recovery yields
were good. Benzoic acid levels of 0.1-1.0 ppm (v/v) in
air can be determined with sampling volumes of 8-24
/IN/ ACIDIC DRUGS, TITRIMETRIC METHOD,
CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD.
/IN/ FOOD ADDITIVE: DIRECT, CHEMICAL
PRESERVATIVES, TITRIMETRIC METHOD, SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD (NOT APPLICABLE TO
SOLIDS), THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD.
/IN/ FLAVORS, MINT EXTRACTS, ULTRAVIOLET
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD.
EPA Method 1625. Isotope Dilution Capillary
Column Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry method for the determination of
semivolatile organic compounds in municipal and industrial discharges. By adding
a known amount of an isotopically labeled compound to every sample prior to
purging, a correction for recovery of the pollutant can be made. If
isottopically labeled compounds are not available, an internal standard method
is used. For benzoic acid, the method estimated
detection limit as defined by EPA is 20 ug/l.
EPA Method 1625. Isotope Dilution Capillary
Column Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry method for the determination of
semivolatile organic compounds in municipal and industrial discharges. By adding
a known amount of an isotopically labeled compound to every sample prior to
purging, a correction for recovery of the pollutant can be made. If labeled
isotopically compounds are not available, an internal standard method is used.
For benzoic acid, the method estimated detection limit
as defined by EPA is 660 ug/l.
Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry analysis
for benzoic acid in medium level solids. The
contract-required quantitation limit used in EPA OSWER Contract Laboratory
Program is 100 mg/kg.
Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry analysis
for benzoic acid in medium level solids. The
contract-required quantitation limit used in EPA OSWER Contract Laboratory
Program is 1700 ug/kg.
Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry analysis
for benzoic acid in water. The contract-required
quantitation limit used in EPA OSWER Contract Laboratory Program is 50 ug/l.
Determination of benzoic
acid by separation of ionicdrug substances using superficial fluid
chromatography.
Special References:
Special Reports:
USEPA; Subst Risk Notice, 8EHQ-1177-0018
(1978).
Benzoic acid, Indian
Chemical Manufacturers Association, Indian Exchange, Indian Exchange Place,
Calcutta 700 001, India, 1986. CIS/88/00785
NTIS/PB85-141216, Benzoic
acid. Scientific Literature Review of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzaldehyde, Benzoic
Acid and Related Cmpds in Flavor Usage. NTIS Order No. PB85-141216
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Related HSDB Records:
696
[SODIUM BENZOATE] (Analog)
Synonyms:
ACIDE BENZOIQUE (FRENCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**
AI3-0310
**PEER REVIEWED**
BENZENECARBOXYLIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
BENZENEFORMIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
BENZENEMETHANOIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
BENZOATE
**PEER REVIEWED**
Benzoesaeure (German)
**PEER REVIEWED**
CARBOXYBENZENE
**PEER REVIEWED**
DRACYLIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
Pesticide Code: 009101
**QC REVIEWED**
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009101
**PEER REVIEWED**
FLOWERS OF BENJAMIN
**PEER REVIEWED**
FLOWERS OF BENZOIN
**PEER REVIEWED**
HA 1
**PEER REVIEWED**
KYSELINA BENZOOVA (CZECH)
**PEER REVIEWED**
PHENYLCARBOXYLIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
PHENYLFORMIC ACID
**PEER REVIEWED**
RETARDER BA
**PEER REVIEWED**
RETARDEX
**PEER REVIEWED**
SALVO LIQUID
**PEER REVIEWED**
SOLVO POWDER
**PEER REVIEWED**
TENN-PLAS
**PEER REVIEWED**
Unisept BZA
**PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
GRADES: TECHNICAL; chemically pure: a grade
designation signifying a minimum of impurities, but not 100% purity. United
States Pharmacopeia ; Food Chemicals Codex
Industrial grade, 97.5%; Technical grade,
99.0%; United States Pharmacopeia , 99.5%
Standard Transportation Number:
49 663 40; Benzoic Acid
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 704
Last Revision Date: 20030305
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 02/28/1992
Update History:
Complete Update on 03/05/2003, 5 fields
added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 10/31/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 08/06/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/18/2002, 4 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/22/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/13/2000, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/03/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/17/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/01/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/27/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/08/1997, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/01/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/17/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/28/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/21/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/19/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/22/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/09/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/05/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/19/1993, 59 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/14/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 09/04/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 09/04/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 08/26/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/10/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/21/1990, 3 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 05/04/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/13/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/16/1988, 93 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/14/1986
GLCC
RELATED TOXIC SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE CAMP POND AND CAMP WATER WELL 2003 AND
2004