Melamine+-+The+Facts

 =Melamine - The Facts = Melamine is a compound made up of 3 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, and 6 nitrogen atoms. It is made up of three Cyanamide molecules, and has a 66% nitrogen content. It looks like a white solid. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Melamine-3D-balls.png http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Melamine.svg Melamine is a component of many household objects, and is used to make counter tops, dry erase boards, fabrics, glues, housewares and flame retardants, floor tiles, melamine resin (a type of plastic), melamine foam (a cleaning substance), as well as being a main ingredient of inks and paints. It is also used to make concrete and types of fertilizers. It is also toxic, and is harmful if swallowed or even absorbed through the skin, long term exposure causes cancer and/or reproductive damage, as well as irritating the eye, skin, and lungs. When it is swallowed or it enters the blood, melamine gathers and crystalizes into round yellow crystals, causing kidney damage and malfunction by blocking the renal cells. Because of this danger, the World Health Organization set the maximum amount of melamine one can consume to 0.2 milligrams for each kilogram they weigh. It can combine with cyanuric acid to form melamine cyanurate, which is even more toxic and dangerous. It is this form, melamine cyanurate, that is being used by Chinese Companies.
 * Warning: Boring reading ahead. Please take care not to overextend yourself.**

So why are the milk companies adding this chemical to milk?

Click here to go to the Chinese Milk Scandal page and find out why Click here to find out the affects of Melamine        Or, click here to go back to the main page.

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