EDTA

Other names: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Tetrine Acid, Edetic acid, Chelaton, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA

Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)

EDTA, full name ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a scientifically important substance in a large number of fields, which is also known by the names Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Tetrine Acid, Edetic acid, Chelaton, tetrasodium EDTA, disodium EDTA or trisodium EDTA. It is a white, crystalline powder that has the ability to bind metal ions. It has been widely used in industry and science since the mid-20th century. This property makes it an effective reagent for many processes where there is a need to eliminate or control the presence of metal ions.

Due to its versatility, EDTA is found in a wide range of products. In cosmetics, it is often used as a stabilizer, as it is able to prevent the deterioration of products through changes in colour, odour or consistency that can be caused by the presence of metals. In the food industry it is used as a preservative and antioxidant. In the medical field, it is used as an anticoagulant in the diagnosis of blood diseases or in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. In construction and industry, it is used in many technological processes, for example, in the removal of corrosion and scale, in antifreeze protection or in wastewater treatment. It is also of great use in biology and chemistry, where it serves as a chelating agent, making it possible to analyse samples containing metals.