Tetrasodium EDTA
(in 10,391 products)

Potential Risk Index®:

ISCE InhaleISCE SwallowISCE ContactISCE Environment
PRI Legend

About:

Functions:
1. Chelating Agent (Chelants) - Binds to and removes potentially toxic or unwanted metals
2. Preservative - Prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted microorganisms which may be harmful
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chemical used for both industrial and medical purposes.
In industry, EDTA is mainly used to sequester metal ions in aqueous solution. In the textile industry, it prevents metal ion impurities from modifying colors of dyed products. In the pulp and paper industry, EDTA inhibits the ability of metal ions, especially Mn2+, from catalyzing the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide, which is used in chlorine-free bleaching. In a similar manner, EDTA is added to some food as a preservative or stabilizer to prevent catalytic oxidative decoloration, which is catalyzed by metal ions. In soft drinks containing ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate, EDTA mitigates formation of benzene (a carcinogen).
It serves as a preservative (usually to enhance the action of another preservative such as benzalkonium chloride or thiomersal) in ocular preparations and eyedrops. In shampoos, cleaners, and other personal care products, EDTA salts are used as a sequestering agent to improve their stability in air.
Scientific References:

Safety and Hazards (UN GHS):

1. Harmful if swallowed (H302)
2. Causes skin irritation (H315)
3. Causes serious eye damage (H318)
4. Causes serious eye irritation (H319)
5. Harmful if inhaled (H332)
6. May cause respiratory irritation (H335)
7. May cause damage to organs (H371)
8. Toxic to aquatic life (H401)

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