A concise assessment of the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to benzoic acid and sodium benzoate. Benzoic acid is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of several compounds, including phenol and caprolactam. The compound is increasingly used in the production of diethylene and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate plasticizers in adhesive formulations, and to improve the properties of alkyd resins for paints and coatings. Most releases of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate into the environment result from their use as preservatives in food, beverages, mouthwashes, dentifrices, and cosmetics. For sodium benzoate, the largest use is as an anticorrosive added to antifreeze coolants. Processed foodstuffs and soft drinks are considered the main sources of exposure for the general population. Concerning behavior in the environment, both compounds are readily biodegraded under aerobic conditions and are unlikely to bioaccumulate. In laboratory animals, exposure to high concentrations caused weight gain and adverse effects on the central nervous system, liver, and kidney. While data are limited, studies suggest that the compounds do not cause adverse effects on development or reproduction and are not carcinogenic. In humans, reports of adverse effects are largely confined to cases of urticaria, asthma, rhinitis, and anaphylactic shock following oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure to these compounds, including for medical purposes. No evaluation of long-term effects on health was possible in view of the limited data available