EDTA was first synthesized during the late 1930's in
Germany. In 1941, EDTA was used to treat people for health
metal toxicity from poison gas. Later research established
that EDTA contained a highly effective antidote to heavy
metal toxicity (lead poisoning). EDTA chelated just as well
with lead as it did calcium when it was infused into the
blood stream and without any side effects.
In the 1950's, EDTA was first used for clinical use in
Michigan to treat battery factory workers who were suffering
from lead poisoning. Following the treatment, the patients
who were suffering from angina and coronary artery disease
symptoms dropped dramatically. This prompted the first
studies to discover other therapeutic effects of EDTA. The
first study of EDTA in occlusive vascular disease (clogged
arteries) reported subsequent improvement. Navy sailors who
were exposed to lead based paints were also treated in the
mid 1950's. EDTA successfully dealt with this problem and
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved that EDTA is
the ideal method for treating heavy metal poisoning. The FDA
also agrees that EDTA is an effective emergency treatment
for hypocalcaemia. The analysis of effectiveness was often
marked to have improvement in the cardiovascular system of
patients with heavy metal poisoning.
