Melamine

[ivyleager]

If I remember correctly, melamine is a chemical that is in CYA. It has now been found/identified in the contaminated Menu Foods dog food. One reports stated that it is used as a fertilizer in "other countries". Okay, so now we're going to be hearing how bad CYA is all over again no doubt.

Now for all you chemical guys/gals: what else is melamine use for?

CaryB

[haze_1956]

I believe Melamine is the reagent used to test for CYA levels.

I don't think there is any Melamine in pool water.

[chem geek]

Haze is correct. Melamine is used to precipitate CYA by combining with it to form melamine cyanurate. So it is only used in the CYA test and is not found in the pool.

There is some sort of Cyanuric Acid reducer on the market and we never figured out if it was just melamine or not, but no one uses that on this forum as far as I know.

Richard

[CarlD]

Haze is correct. Melamine is used to precipitate CYA by combining with it to form melamine cyanurate. So it is only used in the CYA test and is not found in the pool.

There is some sort of Cyanuric Acid reducer on the market and we never figured out if it was just melamine or not, but no one uses that on this forum as far as I know.

Richard

Yeah, we are pretty sure it is melamine. Still, the best reducer is dilution.

[waterbear]

Actually, melamine is used in a lot of things, including making dishes and kitchenware! (anyone remember Melmac?) It is considered to be relatively non toxic to humans. Dogs and cats are different that us. Chocolate can kill dogs or cats while grapes/raisins can cause kidney failure. Both macadamia nuts and garlic/onions can cause serious health problems in both cats and dogs. Garlic/onions can cause severe liver damage! You don't see anyone getting upset over these things because they are familiar. Melamine is not a familiar substance to most so it's viewed with suspicion and fear because it can poison pets. So can that box of raisins in you kitchen cabinet but you would rather see you kids eat them instead of a box of candy, right?

[darenjones]

Very interesting facts there... I have 4 cats, and 3 dogs... we don't feed them people food, and thankfully we have not had any of the recalled food in our home... scary times... considering going to the home made recipies...