The components of melamine are a motley crew.
Melamine has been the subject of compelling news stories in the past few years, principally due to its toxic properties when added to food products. Melamine is a nonorganic resin that industrial manufacturers use as an adhesive, a coating and a glue. Melamine is also a composite wood product that builders use in furniture and shelving. The chemical components of melamine read like Mr. Yuk's most wanted list.
Cyanuric Acid
Melamine in itself has a fairly low toxicity quotient. When melamine is accompanied by cyanuric acid, as is often the case, this can create a crystallization of elements that can lead to kidney stones and renal failure. Cyanuric acid is often present in melamine resins. Some infants in China who ingested formula that manufacturers doctored with melamine in an attempt to make it appear more nutritious experienced kidney stones and in some cases, kidney failure. Pets in the United States in 2007 who ate pet food that contained melamine and cyanuric acid experienced similar problems.
Formaldehyde
Do not breathe in formaldehyde fumes.
Formaldehyde is a key component of the process manufacturers use to obtain resins from melamine. They use these resins for industrial purposes in laminates and adhesives. When making composite wood products for building, such as melamine particleboard, manufacturers use urea formaldehyde as a binder. The state of California and the World Health Organization has classified formaldehyde as a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. Formaldehyde can cause mucous membrane irritation and can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified formaldehyde as a hazardous air pollutant. Products treated with formaldehyde can release its toxicity to the user of the products.
Ammonium Thiocyanate
Ammonium thiocyanate, or NH4SCN, is translucent, crystalline inorganic compound that has many uses. A fabric dyeing agent, an aid in the electroplating process, a photographic stabilizer and a component in melamine manufacture, NH4SCN is normally a stable compound.When you inhale NH4SCN, it will irritate your throat and make you cough. If you are exposed to this chemical on a regular basis, it may cause dermatitis. If you ingest small amounts of NH4SCN repeatedly, it may cause bleeding, hives, or thyroid enlargement. If NH4SCN is overheated to a melting point, it emits toxic fumes containing cyanide, ammonia, nitric oxides, sulfur oxides and thiocyanates.
Triamine and Triazine
Do what it takes to keep these chemicals from groundwater.
Triamine and triazine are components of melamine. Triamine is the active ingredient in some commercial herbicides. Triamine is an amine containing three amido groups; amine is a derivative of ammonia. The herbicide industry also utilizes triazine as both an herbicide and a pesticide. When using either of these compounds, people should take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and eye protection. You should also take care that run-off containing triamine or triazine does not reach sewage systems or leach into groundwater. Make sure that the area where you use these chemicals is adequately ventilated and keep them away from sources of combustion.
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