Benzophenone
Other names: Benzophenone, BP
Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)
Benzophenone, also known as Benzophenone or BP, is an organic compound that is widely used in various industries. It has a variety of applications including use as an additive, photosensitizer, UV protective agent, and also as a basic raw material for the manufacture of various other chemical products. This substance can also be found in some daily products such as perfumes, soaps or cosmetic creams where it serves as a fragrance enhancer as it is able to slow down the evaporation of essential oils.
Benzophenone or BP is also often used in the food industry. Here it is often used as an additive, specifically as a UV protective agent in food packaging to prevent taste changes and food spoilage. Other areas where BP is used are in plastics and polymer production as a UV protectant, in the printing industry as a raw material for the production of printing inks and also in the pharmaceutical industry where it serves as an additive in the production of pharmaceuticals. Due to its widespread use and presence in everyday life, it is important to monitor its potential health effects and environmental impacts.