Is EDDS safe for babies and kids?
Context-dependent for kids(Babies-specific data is limited; this page draws from human pregnant context.) Pregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of EDDS, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
What is edds?
The IUPAC name is [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid.
Also known as: [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, [S,S]-EDDS, ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, biodegradable EDTA alternative.
- IUPAC name
- [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid
- CAS number
- 20846-91-7
- Molecular formula
- C10H14N2Na2O8
- Molecular weight
- 316.22 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCC1C2CC3C4C5(CC(C2C5C(=O)OCCl)N3C1O)C6=CC=CC=C6N4C
- PubChem CID
- 92090
Risk for babies
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of EDDS, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of EDDS, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified EDDS. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU_CLP | — | Not Classified | Below hazard classification thresholds |
| OECD | — | — | Readily biodegradable (OECD 301); >60% degradation at 28 days |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter edds
- cosmetics
- skincare products
- phytoremediation
- soil treatment
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to EDDS:
-
GLDA (tetrasodium glutamate diacetate) — readily biodegradable chelator
Trade-offs: Extremely mild (pH 5.5-6.5); biodegradable; derived from amino acids and fatty acids; premium ingredient cost; excellent consumer perception; lower foam volume than sulfate surfactants.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
Citric acid — food-grade, naturally occurring
Trade-offs: Alternative chelating agent; stability constants for target metal ions differ; biodegradability varies (EDTA poorly biodegradable, citrate fully biodegradable); downstream water treatment impact should be assessed.Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
-
MGDA (methylglycinediacetic acid) — high biodegradability
Trade-offs: Alternative chelating agent; stability constants for target metal ions differ; biodegradability varies (EDTA poorly biodegradable, citrate fully biodegradable); downstream water treatment impact should be assessed.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
What products contain edds?
EDDS appears in: cosmetics; skincare products; phytoremediation.
See EDDS in the baby app
Look up products containing edds, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- PubChem Compound CID 92090 — database
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 20846-91-7 — reference
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →