Sodium calcium edetate (sodium calcium EDTA), also known as edetate calcium disodium and other names, is a drug used to treat lead poisoning, both short-term and long-term. It is also used as a preservative in vaccines. EDTA is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Its sodium salt is called sodium EDTA or simply edetate. Sodium calcium edetate is a white or off-white crystalline powder that dissolves in water to form a clear solution. The molecular weight of sodium calcium edetate is 447.9. It is practically insoluble in oil and soluble in alcohol, acetone, and ether. Lead is a metal that can be found in many things including batteries, old paint, and some jewelry. Lead has harmful effects on your body if you are exposed to it for a long time. It can cause brain damage, behavioral problems, hearing loss, and kidney damage. Children are especially vulnerable to lead because their bodies are still developing so any exposure can have serious consequences. If you are exposed to lead, doctors will often advise you to take supplements with EDTA in them. This helps remove the lead from your body. You should only take EDTA for a few weeks though, otherwise it will start removing essential minerals from your body, such as calcium and iron.