Phenylmercuric propionate is used as a paint preservative. In addition, it is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It was reported, that phenylmercuric propionate used to sterilize bed lines in a hospital laundry produced contact urticarial and asthma.

Calcium propionate (E282) is a preservative, antimould and antirope agent. Calcium propionate has been widely used as a preservative in bakery and in bread. The addition of 0.3 % calcium propionate prolonged the shelf-life of salt reduced bread to 10-12 days. It is sometimes not carefully used, or a high concentration is added to preserve products. High consumption of calcium propionate can lead to several health problems. Calcium propionate is used to prevent milk fever in cows and as a feed supplement. It is considered to be safe and effective treatment given for one or two days to prevent milk fever and/or to support treatment of milk fever. Calcium propionate is generally recognized as safe by FDA when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.