Is Melamine Dinnerware Microwave Safe?

In order to save my precious Chinaware from inevitable breakage and damage, I have opted for melamine as my everyday dinnerware. It comes in vibrant colors, trendy designs and is unbreakable in spite of everyday wear and tear. Also, they are light and easy to clean as well as store. I am sure most of you readers, too, will be melamine users and find them very useful. However, in today's age of microwave cooking, I always had the urge to use to it when heating food in the microwave. Yet, I could never find any information or sign on them saying it was safe to use in a microwave. Thus, I was always a bit skeptical as well as scared to place them in the microwave. Finally, my curiosity got the better of me and I started to find answers to whether this dinnerware is microwave safe. The answers I uncovered will surely startle you. Melamine is not safe to be used in the microwave oven. Let's find out why.

What is Melamine?

It is made up of an organic base, cyanurotriamide. It contains 66% nitrogen by mass and is made by mixing urea and formaldehyde. It has fire retardant properties as it releases nitrogen gas when burned. It also contains cyromazine, that is a type of pesticide. It is also used to make floor tiles, whiteboards, and melamine dishes. The resin is fire-resistant, heat-resistant and very durable. It can be molded in various shapes and colored with bright colors and designs.

Is it Safe to Use Melamine Tableware in a Microwave Oven?

As you can see from the above paragraph, it is fire and heat-resistant. Thus, if you have been using it in microwaves, you won't find it catching fire or getting charred. However, it tends to absorb the radiation and heat. This makes one wonder if it safe to use in a microwave. The answer is 'NO', because it tends to absorb the radiation and this makes it highly dangerous.

If it absorbs enough heat, it will become unstable and release bubbles as it breaks down in structure. It contains nitrogen that does not allow it to burn. Thus, it just breaks down to its original element like urea and cyromazine. These two compounds are extremely dangerous and, if ingested they can prove to be highly toxic.

Experts have found melamine to be harmful when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that when melamine and cyanuric acid enters the bloodstream it forms crystals that can block the renal tubes leading to kidney damage. Thus, heating it in microwave ovens is a big No-No.

Why Do We Use It?

It comes cheap in a variety of colors, designs and shapes. When it was first produced in the 50s and 60s microwaves were not yet an integral part of our kitchens. So, all it was used for was serving dinner and not heating. The FDA has conducted tests and found it to be safe for use without posing any health risk. However, they have laid down guidelines regarding its use. These guidelines state that one should not use these dishes to feed infants and children. One should never heat food or drinks in a melamine dish or bowl or cup. One should never use melamine in microwave ovens, until and unless it has been clearly marked 'microwave safe'.

So, there is no need to throw your dinnerware in the garbage. All you need is to make sure your exert some caution while using them. Remember, as long as you do not heat anything in this dinnerware, it is safe to use. So, enjoy your dinner in your melamine plates and bowls. Just keep them away from your microwave and your food will remain safe.