The news circulating about the dangers of melamine plates is indeed quite disturbing. The reason is that melamine tableware is widely used because it is not easily broken, durable, and the price is cheap. However, is it true that melamine plates are harmful and not good for health?
Melamine is a nitrogen-based chemical compound used by many manufacturers to make a number of products, especially plastic tableware. In addition to tableware, melamine is also often used as a material for making blackboards.whiteboard), glue, and household utensils.
Are Melamine Plates Safe?
In fact, melamine plates are safe to use, as long as you don't use them to serve hot food or those that are over 700C. Melamine eating and drinking utensils should also not be heated inside microwave.
This is because when exposed to hot temperatures, the chemicals in melamine plates can expand and be absorbed into the food. These chemicals can also be transferred when melamine plates are used to serve foods that taste sour, such as oranges, tomatoes, or foods that contain vinegar.
The longer the melamine plate is exposed to hot temperatures or acids, the more melamine chemicals can be absorbed into the food. Therefore, you need to avoid using melamine plates to serve hot or sour foods.
Risks of Using Melamine Tableware for Health
One of the health problems that often occurs due to excessive exposure to melamine is kidney disease, such as kidney stones and kidney failure.
In addition, several small-scale research also shows that exposure to melamine in excessive levels can cause poisoning. The following are some of the symptoms of melamine poisoning to watch out for:
- Bloody pee
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Nausea and vomiting
- Urinating a little or not urinating at all
Excessive exposure to melamine can also increase the risk of impaired fertility in women, hypertension or high blood pressure, and cancer.
This finding is reinforced by a case of melamine poisoning that occurred in China in 2008, although what was found was not melamine from tableware. At that time, the Chinese government discovered that a number of infants and toddlers had fallen ill due to exposure to melamine which was illegally added to infant formula.
The formula milk manufacturer added melamine to increase the protein content in milk synthetically. Babies and toddlers who are victims, then receive treatment at the hospital because they have urinary tract disorders.
In addition, other findings also revealed that most cases of kidney stones that occur in children under five in China are thought to be caused by consumption of dairy products and foods containing melamine.
Previously, in 2007, melamine poisoning caused the deaths of more than 1,000 household pets in North America. The reason is that animal feed imported from China was found to have high levels of melamine.
Should You Stop Using Melamine Plates?
Although dangerous, but you do not need to throw away all melamine tableware at home. In general, the dangers of melamine plates are nothing to worry about as long as they are used correctly.
To prevent health problems from using melamine plates, make sure the melamine tableware is made of quality materials, labeled food grade, and is in good condition, like no scratches or cracks.
However, if you are still hesitant to use melamine plates, you can choose to use plates, bowls, or glasses made of other safer materials, such as ceramic or glass.
If you still have questions about the dangers of melamine plates, plastic containers, or certain materials commonly used in tableware, you can consult a doctor.