As a mom I know this from my kids dishware that often have characters, themes and can be seen on the end aisle at most big box stores for a very low cost. The chemical compound under high temperature easily molds and this is why I’ve often seen in the plates that have three or four different compartments to separate the food. My children love their food separated so you can bet your bottle dollar I had a few of these plates!
You might have also heard about Melamine and its use to bulk up baby formula in China. Yes, sick and scary but very true. As Time Magazine reported, the problem with Melamine – even though it has been around since the 1800’s, it easily scratches and stains. Like most BPA plastic, the scratches leaches the chemical and there is little known information on the safety of Melamine. The FDA is investigating the safety but they’re still okay with BPA so please do not hold your breathe.
Melamine has really made mamas raise an eyebrow on this chemical compound and environmental impacts and like SafeMama puts it, “Lead is so 2007. This year it’s all about Melamine.” SafeMama sums up exactly what Melamine is but makes a great point, the FDA is saying it is suitable and safe for public safety. Ah, so no big deal right; continue to use the product and the cute molded plates because the FDA says that it is safe.
Okay, please note the sarcasms coming through your computer screen. Let me tell you why I believe that you should avoid Melamine dishes in your home:
1) The National Toxilogy Program in 2008 discovered some pretty distributing facts on Melamine. In 2007 the compound was linked to deaths in cats and dogs because it was found in pet food and caused kidney failure. It has found in the human food chain and it leaches into our food from our plates and kitchenware.
Read more from Sommer P. at her blog, Green and Clean Mom, where she writes about how going green is sexy, sassy and fun. Sommer is a social networking and marketing consultant and passionate mother and teacher. Find her on twitter as @greenmom
