Contents:
- Medical Video: Melamine Crockery A Health Hazard By Consumer VOICE
- What is melamine?
- Potential dangers of melamine ingredients for infants and children
- It's okay to use cutlery made from melamine, but ...
Medical Video: Melamine Crockery A Health Hazard By Consumer VOICE
A study from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, examined the dangers of using melamine plates in 12 people in their 20s. The study used 6 people in their 20s to eat hot food on a melamine plate, while 6 others ate using ceramic plates.
Then the researchers monitored participants' urine levels for the next twelve hours. The results obtained 3 weeks later stated that urine output in people who used melamine tableware turned out to be 8.35 micograms more than those using ceramic plates.
This research shows that the content of melamine can be absorbed by the body from eating utensils, for example plates, cups, bowls and other eating utensils. Although generally not considered a hazardous ingredient, in certain conditions melamine has been known to cause health problems in pets and small children, one of which is kidney problems.
What is melamine?
Melamine is an organic compound made from synthetic polymers, formaldehyde and urea. This hot compound creates resins that can be formed for various types of household appliances. Melamine has been used to make cutlery and other household products for the past few decades. Although present in the form of a resin, melamine is not considered dangerous by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Potential dangers of melamine ingredients for infants and children
In the meantime, the content of melamine on a plate is not considered very for adults. However, if exposed to other chemical compounds can cause kidney stones and kidney failure in infants.
In addition, most cutlery or melamine plates contain small amounts of substances formaldehyde and dangerous carcinogens if absorbed by the body. So that the hot temperature of the food causes the melamine formaldehyde resin substance on the plate to expand and spread throughout the meal and the toxin settles the binding enters rapidly seeping into the food.
The following are some examples of health problems caused by melamine:
- Melamine inhaled can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and one of them is shortness of breath. Especially if melamine is inhaled in the form of powder or powder that can cause liver damage and poisoning in the blood.
- Can cause irritation if exposed to direct contact with the eyes.
- Swallowed melamine can cause digestive tract irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can even cause a reduction in urine so that the kidneys become damaged.
It's okay to use cutlery made from melamine, but ...
In general, melamine products are safe when used properly. Some things that must be considered are avoiding putting melamine plates in the microwave, and removing melamine plates or equipment that are cracked, scratched or broken.
Another safer alternative is to use plates or cutlery made from ceramic or glass to avoid the danger caused by melamine content.
