Melamine plates can cause cancer: is it true?

A study from the 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 a ceramic plate.

Then the researchers monitored the participants' urine levels for the next twelve hours. The results obtained 3 weeks later stated that the urine output of people who used melamine tableware was 8.35 micograms more than those who used ceramic plates.

This research shows that the melamine content can be absorbed by the body from eating utensils, for example plates, cups, bowls and other cutlery. Although not generally considered a hazardous substance, it has been known to cause health problems in pets and young 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 a resin that can be formed for a variety of household appliances. Melamine has been used to make cutlery and other household products for the last several decades. Even though it comes in resin form, melamine is not considered dangerous by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

The potential hazards of melamine for babies and children

Meanwhile, the melamine content in the dishes is not considered highly for adults. However, if exposed to other chemical compounds can cause kidney stones and kidney failure in babies.

In addition, most melamine cutlery or plates contain small amounts of formaldehyde and a carcinogen that is harmful if absorbed by the body. So that the heat in the food causes the melamine formaldehyde resin substance on the plate to expand and spread throughout the meal and the toxins to settle and bind to seep quickly into the food.

The following are some examples of health problems caused by melamine:

• Melamine substance that is inhaled can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and one of them is shortness of breath. Especially if the melamine that is inhaled is in the form of a powder or powder which can cause liver damage and poisoning in the blood.
• May cause irritation in direct contact with eyes.
• Ingested melamine can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can even cause a decrease 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 to watch out for are to avoid putting melamine plates in the microwave, and discarding cracked, scratched or broken melamine dishes or utensils.

Another safer alternative is to use plates or cutlery made of ceramic or glass to avoid the harm caused by the melamine content.

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