Safety Precautions when Handling Benzoic Acid

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

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling
• Use only in a well-ventilated area
• Minimize dust generation and accumulation
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing
• Wash clothing before reuse
• Avoid breathing dust

Short and Long-Term Effects of Exposure to Benzoic Acid

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

• Eye damage
• Irritation of the skin, resulting in a rash, redness, and/or a burning feeling
• Irritation to the nose, throat and lungs if inhaled, which may cause coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath

In addition to these short-term exposure effects, prolonged or repeated exposure to benzoic acid can cause drying and cracking of the skin with redness and itching. Exposure to benzoic acid in high concentrations, particularly in susceptible individuals, may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, even exposure to very low levels can cause itching and a skin rash.

 Benzoic Acid Sds Merck Exposure Management

Take these steps if exposure to benzoic acid has occurred:

Eye Contact

Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. If wearing contact lenses, be sure to remove them before flushing. Seek medical attention.

Skin Contact

Quickly remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin immediately with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation

Individual should be removed from exposure and immediately moved to an area with fresh air. Seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion

Get medical aid immediately. Rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Do NOT induce vomiting.

Handling Benzoic Acid Spills

In the event benzoic acid is spilled:

• Evacuate personnel and control entrance to the area
• Eliminate all ignition sources
• Use a HEPA-filter vacuum for clean up and place into sealed containers for disposal
• Ventilate and wash area after clean up is complete
• Do NOT wash into sewer

Safe Storage of Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers. It should to be stored away from heat, sources of ignition and incompatible substances such as oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides) and strong bases (e.g. sodium hydroxide(opens in a new tab)

).

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

for specific recommendations.

For more information on benzoic acid and other hazardous chemicals, browse our extensive library of MSDS information.