PRODOCT
EDTA-4Na, also known as Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, is a widely used chelating agent in industries such as agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and water treatment. It is a tetrasodium salt form of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Applications of EDTA-4Na
EDTA-4Na has various applications, including:
Agriculture: EDTA-4Na is used in agriculture as a way to improve the efficiency of fertilizers by chelating metal ions in soil, making them more available to plants. It can also be used to protect crops from the effects of hard water and heavy metal contamination.
Food and Beverage: EDTA-4Na is used as a preservative in food and beverages to prevent discoloration, rancidity and off-flavors caused by metal ions. It is also added in canned foods, salad dressings, and soft drinks to prevent oxidation.
Water Treatment: EDTA-4Na is used in water treatment as a way to chelate metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, thereby preventing them from clogging water pipes or promoting the growth of bacteria.
Pharmaceuticals: EDTA-4Na is also used as an ingredient in pharmaceuticals to chelate metal ions, which can be harmful to human health. It is also used in some cancer treatments to enhance drug absorption or to prevent trace metals from interfering with diagnostic tests.
Hazards of EDTA-4Na
EDTA-4Na has a low toxicity, but may cause skin and eye irritation, and in high concentrations, it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. It is recommended that protective clothing, gloves, masks, and goggles should be used when handling EDTA-4Na.
Moreover, EDTA-4Na can chelate and remove essential trace elements from the body, so prolonged exposure to EDTA-4Na in large amounts may lead to deficiency of essential trace elements like iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It is important to handle and dispose of EDTA-4Na appropriately and to limit exposure to it.