Worrying about the environment is not a top priority to society, probably even last on the list, when considering the chemical, sodium benzoate. It is frightening when individuals fail to realize that we live in the environment which is made up of the oxygen we desperately need to live and not the other way around. Most people are concerned with their health which ultimately should be viewed as equally important as changes and impacts in the environment, as it will have an effect on their health. When considering how sodium benzoate affects the health and environment, it is specifically mentioned as to how this substance is directly related to how humans live on Earth. It will be up to readers to make a change and potentially save lives.
Impact of Manufacture
As mentioned previously, sodium benzoate is produced by the reaction between benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. This chemical is found naturally in certain fruits such as prunes, plums, and cranberries, or mostly, it is synthetically manufactured. The goals for companies is to create products that will last as long as possible without rotting or decaying. Essentially, this can be done by creating the optimal conditions for sodium benzoate to act as one of the best preservatives known to mankind.
Amount of Energy & Raw Materials Required
When sodium benzoate has an optimal pH of 2.5 and 4, it is more active; therefore, less of this molecule is required than if it has a pH beyond it's optimal point. Temperature is also a factor of how much benzoic acid is required to produce sodium benzoate. If the product is juice that is stored in the low temperatures, it will require less benzoic acid than a fruit juice that is stored in 30*C areas. To prevent fermentation, these warm juices require a maximum of 0.05%, which is a much higher concentration than cold juices. In consideration of all the products that require sodium benzoate, a concentration of 0.1% can never be exceeded by the law of the United States. The concentration of how much may be placed in products varies between each country.
When sodium benzoate has an optimal pH of 2.5 and 4, it is more active; therefore, less of this molecule is required than if it has a pH beyond it's optimal point. Temperature is also a factor of how much benzoic acid is required to produce sodium benzoate. If the product is juice that is stored in the low temperatures, it will require less benzoic acid than a fruit juice that is stored in 30*C areas. To prevent fermentation, these warm juices require a maximum of 0.05%, which is a much higher concentration than cold juices. In consideration of all the products that require sodium benzoate, a concentration of 0.1% can never be exceeded by the law of the United States. The concentration of how much may be placed in products varies between each country.
Impacts on the Environment
The warmer the environment of the manufacturing location, the more active sodium benzoate is. When it is accumulated into the air, it is found to be stable; however, in foods, it is poisonous at high concentrations. Also, during a fire at any of sodium benzoate producing companies, due to combustion or thermal decomposition, the levels of irritating and highly toxic gases are exposed into the air. Water runoffs into storm sewers and ditches may cause environmental damage as it is as harmful for animals as it is to humans in large concentrations. Sodium hydroxide poses as a flammable threat to the environment because it vigorously reacts with metals. This substance may also react with other substances in the environment, causing potential damage to materials with it's reactivity levels. As displayed in Image 1, the explosion is caused by the reckless handling of sodium benzoate that is found in whistle mix in fireworks or rocket fuel. The damage affecting ecosystems disrupt the biodiversity of wildlife due to the change in environment. The decrease in species will lead to the decrease in sustainability of that ecosystem, confirming that the uses of sodium benzoate in industries, like fuel, has a negative impact on the environment.
The warmer the environment of the manufacturing location, the more active sodium benzoate is. When it is accumulated into the air, it is found to be stable; however, in foods, it is poisonous at high concentrations. Also, during a fire at any of sodium benzoate producing companies, due to combustion or thermal decomposition, the levels of irritating and highly toxic gases are exposed into the air. Water runoffs into storm sewers and ditches may cause environmental damage as it is as harmful for animals as it is to humans in large concentrations. Sodium hydroxide poses as a flammable threat to the environment because it vigorously reacts with metals. This substance may also react with other substances in the environment, causing potential damage to materials with it's reactivity levels. As displayed in Image 1, the explosion is caused by the reckless handling of sodium benzoate that is found in whistle mix in fireworks or rocket fuel. The damage affecting ecosystems disrupt the biodiversity of wildlife due to the change in environment. The decrease in species will lead to the decrease in sustainability of that ecosystem, confirming that the uses of sodium benzoate in industries, like fuel, has a negative impact on the environment.
Impacts on Human Health
In some cases, when benzoic acid is required, also known as the product of the reverse reaction, it is heated to decompose. When this happens, the organic chemical emits acidic fumes and disodium oxide. When exposed to these chemicals, it will cause irritation the respiratory tract or may even cause permanent damage. It is best to stay clear of substances once irritation starts to occur, especially if a burning sensation is experienced in the nose or throat. It may also cause possible injury and irritation to the eye. Likewise, sodium hydroxide causes sever corrosion to any tissue in contact with this substance. Consult with a family physician immediately if these symptoms occur.
In some cases, when benzoic acid is required, also known as the product of the reverse reaction, it is heated to decompose. When this happens, the organic chemical emits acidic fumes and disodium oxide. When exposed to these chemicals, it will cause irritation the respiratory tract or may even cause permanent damage. It is best to stay clear of substances once irritation starts to occur, especially if a burning sensation is experienced in the nose or throat. It may also cause possible injury and irritation to the eye. Likewise, sodium hydroxide causes sever corrosion to any tissue in contact with this substance. Consult with a family physician immediately if these symptoms occur.
Impact of Use
Impacts on the Environment
Sodium benzoate can pose as a fire hazard under normal conditions. In consideration of the whistle mix used in fireworks and amateur rockets, if the mix is not pressed correctly, it may burst the motor casings in a dangerously explosive manner. When combined with strong oxidizers, finely powdered sodium benzoate can create a flash powder explosion. This food additive is present everywhere in the industrial environment. Sodium benzoate is in the air from motor vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and products ranging from paints to foods such as jam. Similar to the environmental impacts when manufacturing these products, the use of the product may eventually lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
Impacts on Human Health
Do not be fooled - although this substance is great to use to diagnose or treat liver problems, sodium benzoate is a food addictive, preservative, and is conclusively harmful to consume if not necessary. This additive also presents itself as a slight danger as a toxicant. According to Health Canada and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), sodium benzoate is considered safe to use; however, not recommended to be mixed with the use of Vitamin C, as it can create benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that forms when vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, reacts with sodium benzoate. Although listed as safe in Canada, the DHHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) believes otherwise, stating that it is indeed a human carcinogen. It is discovered that studies were not performed on the use of sodium benzoate as a preservative for personal care products. Not only is that a concern, long term effects of the accumulation of the sodium benzoate in the body are still unknown. Since large quantities of this chemical poses a danger of causing cancer, individuals need to pay attention to the substances they consume. Sodium benzoate has many uses as previously stated, from the cosmetic to the food industry. Therefore, the daily uses of products such as toothpaste and eating in general lead to unhealthy levels of this organic chemical.
This common preservative in sodium benzoate damages the mitochondria in cells with long-term exposure by depriving cells of oxygen. Specifically, it damages the bone marrow decreasing the number of red blood cells, which leads to anemia. Due to the mitochondria malfunction, the immune system is affected. This ultimately increases the chances of infection and leukemia. High levels of sodium benzoate may cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, stomach irritations, convulsions, heart arrhythmia, tachycardia, or death.
The use of this substance in certain foods led to the hyperactivity in children and/or enhanced ADHD. Sodium benzoate triggers the symptoms of these disorders. Not only is that a problem, but when absorbed by skin, anti-aging cream may age individuals faster as it kills the DNA. This may cause Parkinson's and other neuro-degenerative diseases. In general, benzoates can trigger allergies such as asthma and skin rashes. In the United States, the FDA limits the use of sodium benzoate to 0.1% by weight; however, other countries allow higher levels up to 1.25%. Overall, the deprivation of oxygen from cells, breakdown of immune system, and cancer-causing substance can be avoided by paying attention to ingredients in products, especially food.
Sodium benzoate can pose as a fire hazard under normal conditions. In consideration of the whistle mix used in fireworks and amateur rockets, if the mix is not pressed correctly, it may burst the motor casings in a dangerously explosive manner. When combined with strong oxidizers, finely powdered sodium benzoate can create a flash powder explosion. This food additive is present everywhere in the industrial environment. Sodium benzoate is in the air from motor vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and products ranging from paints to foods such as jam. Similar to the environmental impacts when manufacturing these products, the use of the product may eventually lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
Impacts on Human Health
Do not be fooled - although this substance is great to use to diagnose or treat liver problems, sodium benzoate is a food addictive, preservative, and is conclusively harmful to consume if not necessary. This additive also presents itself as a slight danger as a toxicant. According to Health Canada and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), sodium benzoate is considered safe to use; however, not recommended to be mixed with the use of Vitamin C, as it can create benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that forms when vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, reacts with sodium benzoate. Although listed as safe in Canada, the DHHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) believes otherwise, stating that it is indeed a human carcinogen. It is discovered that studies were not performed on the use of sodium benzoate as a preservative for personal care products. Not only is that a concern, long term effects of the accumulation of the sodium benzoate in the body are still unknown. Since large quantities of this chemical poses a danger of causing cancer, individuals need to pay attention to the substances they consume. Sodium benzoate has many uses as previously stated, from the cosmetic to the food industry. Therefore, the daily uses of products such as toothpaste and eating in general lead to unhealthy levels of this organic chemical.
This common preservative in sodium benzoate damages the mitochondria in cells with long-term exposure by depriving cells of oxygen. Specifically, it damages the bone marrow decreasing the number of red blood cells, which leads to anemia. Due to the mitochondria malfunction, the immune system is affected. This ultimately increases the chances of infection and leukemia. High levels of sodium benzoate may cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, stomach irritations, convulsions, heart arrhythmia, tachycardia, or death.
The use of this substance in certain foods led to the hyperactivity in children and/or enhanced ADHD. Sodium benzoate triggers the symptoms of these disorders. Not only is that a problem, but when absorbed by skin, anti-aging cream may age individuals faster as it kills the DNA. This may cause Parkinson's and other neuro-degenerative diseases. In general, benzoates can trigger allergies such as asthma and skin rashes. In the United States, the FDA limits the use of sodium benzoate to 0.1% by weight; however, other countries allow higher levels up to 1.25%. Overall, the deprivation of oxygen from cells, breakdown of immune system, and cancer-causing substance can be avoided by paying attention to ingredients in products, especially food.
Impact of Disposal
Impacts on the Environment
According to the University of Wisconsin, the safety and environmental management states that sodium benzoate is amongst many of the chemicals that may be placed in a landfill. This is allowed as long as lids are tightly capped. All waste must be be handled in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. The hierarchy of controls states that first reduce, reuse, recycle, and finally dispose of the substance if all else fails. Overall, there are no significant effects of this chemical upon the environment as it is known as a minimum risk pesticide when used in cleaning products.
Impacts on Human Health
The exposures of sodium benzoate due to the disposal of this substance is relatively similar to the impacts of the human health during the manufacturing process.
According to the University of Wisconsin, the safety and environmental management states that sodium benzoate is amongst many of the chemicals that may be placed in a landfill. This is allowed as long as lids are tightly capped. All waste must be be handled in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. The hierarchy of controls states that first reduce, reuse, recycle, and finally dispose of the substance if all else fails. Overall, there are no significant effects of this chemical upon the environment as it is known as a minimum risk pesticide when used in cleaning products.
Impacts on Human Health
The exposures of sodium benzoate due to the disposal of this substance is relatively similar to the impacts of the human health during the manufacturing process.
Any further concerns or questions about the manufacturing, use, and disposal of sodium benzoate can be directed to the following companies:
Jarchem Industries Inc, Hq 40 Ball St, Newark, NJ 07105 (201) 344-0600 Production site: Newark, NJ 07105 Kalama Chemical Inc, Hq The Bank of California Center, Suite 1110, Seattle, WA 98164 (206) 682-7890 Production sites: Kalama, WA 98625 |
Pfizer Inc, Hq
235 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 (212) 573-2323 Production site: Terre Haute, IN 47808 Syntex Corp, Hq 3401 Hillview Ave, Palo Alto CA 94304 (415) 885-5050 Production site: Verona, MO 65769 Racon Inc 6040 S Ridge Road, Wichita, KS 67201 (316) 524-3245 |