Used widely in industrial and laboratory settings to bind metal ions, effectively chelating them to prevent unwanted reactions. In the food industry, it acts as a preservative by stabilizing color and texture in canned products. In medicine, it is employed in chelation therapy to treat heavy metal poisoning by removing toxic metals like lead from the bloodstream. Additionally, it is a key component in cosmetics and personal care products to enhance stability and prevent spoilage. In water treatment, it helps control water hardness by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions.