EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a synthetic compound commonly used in various applications, including medicine and industry. It acts as a chelating agent, meaning it can bind to metal ions, which helps to remove them from solutions. This property makes EDTA useful in treating heavy metal poisoning and in laboratory settings for stabilizing metal ions. In addition to its medical uses, EDTA is also found in household products, such as cosmetics and cleaning agents, where it helps to improve stability and effectiveness. Its ability to sequester metals makes it valuable in preventing unwanted reactions in various formulations.