Safety Tips on Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid is used as a preservative in food, so as chemicals go it is pretty safe. However, pure Benzoic acid can be very irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Also, it can be toxic if large quantities are ingested. So... wear gloves and eye protection when preparing your solution. Excess solution can be washed down the drain (can neutralize it with baking soda first if you like). I wouldn't recommend this project for very young children. It should be fine for grade school kids with adult supervision. It's mainly intended as a fun project for teens and adults. The snow globe is not a toy -- you don't want young children taking it apart and drinking the solution.