Melamine is an organic compound, a base with chemical formula
C3H6N6. It is has a molecular mass of just over 126, forms a white,
crystalline powder, and is only slightly soluble in water.
It is used as a fi re retardant additive in polymer resins because
its high nitrogen content is released as flame-stifling nitrogen gas
when the compound is burned or charred. Indeed, it is this high
nitrogen level – 66% nitrogen by mass – in melamine that gives it the
analytical characteristics of protein molecules.
Melamine can also be described as a trimer of cyanamide, three cyanamide units joined in a ring.
It is a rather harmful compound. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or
absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure may cause cancer or
reproductive damage.
Previously, melamine was found in exported pet food last year and
blamed for killing thousands of cats and dogs in the US. Bloomberg also
reports that analysis of samples of ice cream produced by Yili
have also revealed the presence of melamine.
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