Melamine can cause health problems at high doses.
Melamine is a durable substance that, when mixed with formaldehyde, was previously used for countertops and dishware in the mid-1900s. It has also been used as a food additive with disastrous results.
Uses
Melamine was used for countertops, dishware and utensils due to its overall durability. When heated, it is easy to manipulate and can create a hard surface for different areas in home and industrial settings. Melamine was used for dishes on Navy ships during World War II.
History
Melamine was invented by a German scientist in the 1830s and it became popular in the United States in the late-1930s. With the advent of dishwashers, consumers clamored for melamine dishware as it was durable and almost impossible to break as well as being dishwasher-safe.
Considerations
Recently, melamine has been thrust into the spotlight as it has been used in foods as a filler. In small doses, melamine is harmless, but some Chinese companies have been using it in excess in pet food and baby formula, causing massive recalls due to high levels of the substance.
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