Is melamine the next BPA? This high-volume chemical is used in everything from wood panels to washing powder

During the last ten years or so, Bisphenol A, or BPA for short, has arguably become the “poster child” for hormone-disrupting chemicals in everyday products. Lately, we have been asked by both companies and regulators if there is a “next BPA” to keep track of.

We believe there is one such chemical: melamine.

This high-volume chemical is used in everything from wood panels to washing powder. It is also the building block of a porcelain-like plastic with the same name. Being light and hardy, it has become a popular material for tableware, especially for kids and for outdoor activities.

Melamine has a horrible history of scandals. It can be illegally added to food products to fake a higher protein content.

In 2008, a melamine-contaminated milk substitute was given to 300,000 Chinese infants out of which 50,000 were hospitalised and six died.

“This high-volume chemical is used in everything from wood panels to washing powder”

These children suffered from kidney failure, and kidney toxicity is also one of the most well-known problems with melamine.

CONTINUE READING ON chemsec.org