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...

[CarlD]

I didn't think anyone made melamine dishes in the last 50 years. My mom had them--with 3 sons in the 50's and 60's they were the only durable unbreakables out there--but were they UGLY!

My in-laws have them too. Same generation, similar reasons (kids).

I have not seen them anywhere but garage sales since.

Then again, I haven't been looking!

[DavidD]

Ok, so I guess I'll stop dumping the CYA test tube back in the pool once the test is done. Wouldn't want to take a chance even at such a small dilution since the Chihuahua loves drinking out of the water fountain...

Dave

[waterbear]

Ok, so I guess I'll stop dumping the CYA test tube back in the pool once the test is done. Wouldn't want to take a chance even at such a small dilution since the Chihuahua loves drinking out of the water fountain...

Dave

NEVER a good idea to jump your test vials back into the pool, no matter what the test. Pour them down the sink or some other suitable place!

[JohnT]

I didn't think anyone made melamine dishes in the last 50 years. My mom had them--with 3 sons in the 50's and 60's they were the only durable unbreakables out there--but were they UGLY!

I have a set of turquoise melamine dishes that I use for camping. They were my grandparents'. Turquoise