Melamine contained in the dishes destroys the kidneys
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Modern man often prefers plastic cutlery and dishes, rejecting ceramic, metal and porcelain things for himself. It is not surprising, because plastic is the most convenient to use because of strength and lightness, and plastic utensils are often the cheapest and brightest. It is hardly possible to see at least one office kitchen without the abundance of colored plastic containers. And it is unrealistic to imagine going to nature with a porcelain grandmother's service instead of plastic plates.
Scientists from the Chinese Medical University conducted several studies, during which it became known that in the body of people who regularly eat food from plastic dishes, there is a critical amount of a hazardous substance - melamine. This is a synthetic material that does not have the property of dissolving in organic compounds and, when heated, emits ammonia harmful to the human body. After the scientists found out that in the heated state melamine can be dangerous to humans, an experiment was conducted, which consisted in the fact that 30 adults were divided into two groups. The first group on an empty stomach used hot food from ceramic dishes, and the second - from the plastic containers heated up to the same temperature. Experimental people twice took urine and blood tests: the first time - thirty minutes before the experiment, the second - a few hours later.
A detailed analysis of the analyzes showed that the amount of melanin, which releases ammonia when heated, is about 9 μg in people who eat food from plastic dishes and about 1.5 μg in those who ate from ceramic dishes, respectively. From the results we see that only one meal can cause a rise in the level of melamine contained in the body more than 4 times.
The authors of the study were surprised by the results of the experiment and commented on them in the following way: utensils containing melamine (any plastic products) are dangerous when heated due to the fact that at high temperatures melamine releases ammonia, which can be harmful to humans. The scientists additionally noted (not to be under the charge in black PR) that absolutely any plastic products, regardless of the manufacturer and the material used, are dangerous for the person. Among the recommendations that doctors can give to ordinary people, one can distinguish only one: try not to heat plastic products. If plastic containers are used to carry food, during a picnic (without subjecting them to temperature treatment), then they are completely safe for health.
As for the effect that melamine is able to exert on the human body, there is no exact data yet. In the risk group are the kidneys and gall bladder. Studies that were conducted earlier show that ammonia has the property to promote the formation of stones in the kidneys and gall bladder. There is a suspicion that long-term consumption of food from hot plastic dishes can provoke more serious consequences in children under 10 years old.
[