In an article published on June 26, 2019, regulatory news provider Chemical Watch reported on the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) finding of the chemical melamine (CAS 108-78-1) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” classifying it as a Group 2b substance. There was “sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals,” however “inadequate evidence” in humans was found.
Melamine is primarily used in the production of plastics, coatings, adhesives, and tableware (FPF reported). Consumers are expected to be exposed to melamine primarily through migration into food from food contact materials. In the EU, the current specific migration limit from FCMs is set at 2.5 micrograms/kg food, and the World Health Organization set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.2 mg/kg body weight.
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Emma Davies (June 26, 2019). “Melamine ‘possibly carcinogenic’ to humans, says Iarc.” Chemical Watch
IARC (June 27, 2019). “Some chemicals that cause tumours of the urinary tract in rodents.” (pdf)
