- A June 2009 study, published in Jakarta Times, revealed that of 62 types of melamine dishes tested, 30 leaked formaldehyde when exposed to foods that were heated or acidic.
- There are some safe melamine products to cook or serve food. Due to a lack of diligent labeling from both imported and domestic producers, it is almost impossible to determine which products are safe and which release formaldehyde during use.
- Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic substance, meaning it can cause cancer. It is also a lung irritant. Some companies use it as a preservative in a variety of products, including deodorizers, disinfectants, adhesives and permanent press fabrics. The most alarming use of formaldehyde might be when it is combined with melamine to make melamine resin dishes designed for infants and children. The FDA has stated no amount of melamine in baby formula is safe, so it stands to reason that you shouldn't feed your children off melamine plates or let them drink out of melamine cups.
- In June 2009, The National Toxicology Program announced further tests are needed to determine the safety or harm of melamine, particularly when it is in a form or material that allows it to interact with cyanuric acid. When combined, melamine and cyanuric acid cause kidney damage and were to blame for the tainted pet food and baby formula incidents mentioned above.
- If you use melamine dishes, some things make the products safer. Never microwave or boil anything in melamine, especially acidic foods like tomatoes. Hand wash your melamine plates and other dishes to reduce exposure to high heat, which causes leaching of formaldehyde.
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