Melamine: what is it and how is it used?

Melamine: what is it and how is it used?
Melamine: what is it and how is it used?

Video: Melamine: what is it and how is it used?

Video: Melamine: what is it and how is it used?
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Description and properties

Melamine. What it is? This is a chemical compound in the form of colorless crystals, which is based on triazine. It is almost insoluble in water and liquid solvents. Its melting point is 354 degrees. After reaching this mark, the decomposition process begins.

Scope of application

What is melamine
What is melamine

Only if chromatography is used, it can be determined that a particular material contains melamine. Many people know that this substance is used in the manufacturing process of adhesives, varnishes, plastics, herbicides, fertilizers and dyes. But few people know that some unscrupulous food manufacturers add it to their products. This is because the compound is able to show a higher concentration of protein during the tests. Surfaces containing this substance are highly resistant to mechanical stress and do not lose their characteristics even under the influence of the sun. In this regard, it can often be found in furniture, even in such an element as a countertop. Melamine is easy to clean, it is not afraid of cleaning withusing all kinds of cleaning products.

Danger

melamine top
melamine top

This compound is most widely used as a basis for the manufacture of plastics. The reason for this is very simple - plastic products do not break, have a high degree of strength and heat resistance if they contain melamine. Few people know that this substance is dangerous to humans if used for other purposes. First of all, we are talking about the food industry. The fact is that when heated, as well as in contact with food and liquids, plastic releases formaldehyde, so it is simply unacceptable to use the substance in the manufacture of dishes. Confirmation that melamine is harmful and dangerous to human he alth is the list of consequences that it can cause. Among them are cancer, skin diseases, reproductive disorders, irritation of the respiratory tract. There is a high probability that the outcome of acute poisoning (three grams of a substance per kilogram of weight) will generally be fatal.

Global Content Standards

In the European Union, the allowable daily intake of melamine by a person is set at 0.2 mg per 1 kg of body weight. The similar indicator in Canada is 0.35 mg, in the USA - 0.063 mg. According to the recommendations of the World He alth Organization, a safe daily amount of a substance for humans is 0.2 mg / kg of body weight.

Melamine tableware

melamine is harmful
melamine is harmful

It is impossible not to emphasize the fact about the dishes, which contain melamine, that this is formal inour country is not prohibited, despite the high toxicity and danger. It is envisaged that it can also be used for decorative purposes. Along with this, there are requirements according to which cutlery and dishes must be labeled indicating the presence of melamine in their composition. A case in 2008 in China was indicative. Then one of the enterprises producing dry infant formulas added the substance to their products. The result of these actions was the death of four babies. The two people responsible for this were executed. Despite everything, now China remains the world's largest exporter of melamine. True, the local government has reduced the volume of its production and tightened control over possible falsifications.

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