Create your own at Storyboard That What is so bad about it? The Staff Room The Staff Room The Staff Room Sodium benzoate is not the only bad chemcial preservative. There are many other preservatives that are shown increase risk of cancer, cause damage to heart, blood vessels narrowing, it may lead to some chronic health conditions, breathing difficulties, and hyperactivity in young children/behavioral changes. What is sodium benzoate? It's a chemical preservative commonly found in products such as yogurt including Activia Yogurt. It is also found in the air from motor vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke. The use of the product may eventually lead to a decrease in biodiversity. Aswell in foods, it is poisonous at high concentrations and should not be consumed regularly.