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Tetrasodium EDTA

  • Chelators
  • CAS 10378-23-1
  • IUPAC: Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate

Tetrasodium EDTA (CAS 10378-23-1) appears in 10 of the 2,039 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of July 2026).

Generally low health hazard at consumer-product concentrations (typically <5%). Can cause mild eye irritation (H320 Cat 2B) and mild skin irritation with prolonged contact. Not a sensitizer, not a carcinogen, not a developmental toxicant at consumer-use levels. Inhalation hazard is negligible (non-volatile sodium salt). The primary safety concern with EDTA is occupational dust exposure during manufacturing — finished consumer formulas dissolved in water do not present the dust hazard.

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cleaners and detailing products to bind calcium, magnesium, iron, and other metal ions that would otherwise contribute to water spots, soap scum, or reduced surfactant effectiveness in hard water. It's the workhorse chelator for budget consumer formulations.

Why it matters in detailing: EDTA is the most common chelator in mild aqueous cleaners — bug & smudge removers, glass cleaners, wash soaps. When you see "tetrasodium EDTA" or "EDTA" in SDS Section 3 at 1–5%, it's binding mineral residue from tap water and lifting fresh organic residue from the surface. Combined with a mild alkaline builder (sodium carbonate), it provides a low-toxicity decontamination chemistry without the petroleum solvents or aggressive surfactants of dedicated bug & tar removers.

Environmental footnote: EDTA is poorly biodegraded — wastewater treatment removes only ~25% on average. The persistence concern is environmental, not health. Newer biodegradable chelator alternatives (GLDA, IDS, MGDA) are increasingly common in EPA Safer Choice products but cost more.

Regulatory status

  • Not CA Prop 65 listed
  • Listed on TSCA inventory; no consumer-use restrictions in the US
  • EU REACH: classified as persistent (P), but not bioaccumulative (B) and not toxic (T) — does not meet PBT threshold

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Chelating agent that binds calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions to prevent water spotting and improve cleaner performance in hard water

Common questions about Tetrasodium EDTA

What is Tetrasodium EDTA used for in car care?
Chelating agent that binds calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions to prevent water spotting and improve cleaner performance in hard water
Is Tetrasodium EDTA a VOC?
No. Tetrasodium EDTA is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Tetrasodium EDTA on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Tetrasodium EDTA is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

10 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.