In an article published on February 7, 2020, the non-governmental organization ChemSec discussed melamine (CAS 108-78-1) as an important chemical of concern to keep a close watch on. ChemSec added melamine to its Substitute It Now (SIN) List in November 2019 along with 15 other substances for having persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) properties (FPF reported). They report that out of all these chemicals, melamine has received the most attention from stakeholders including companies and regulators.
Produced in large quantities for a wide variety of uses, the chemical has been classified as a possible carcinogen (FPF reported). Recently, it has been in the spotlight for its use in creating plastic used in food contact materials, including popular ‘bamboo ware’ made using melamine mixed with bamboo fibers (FPF reported). In November 2019, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) released a position statement warning consumers about the risk of melamine and formaldehyde migration from such products and advising against eating or drinking hot foods or beverages from such materials (FPF reported). “Why one would choose to manufacture kitchenware that becomes toxic under very normal circumstances – some hot food, anyone? – is beyond me,” writes Anna Lennquist from ChemSec. “Just like BPA [bisphenol A] became the poster child of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, I have a hunch that melamine may become the same for PMTs.”
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Anna Lennquist (February 7, 2020). “Is melamine the next BPA?” ChemSec
