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Can I wash dishes with a melamine sponge: an expert explanation
Cookware made from a material containing melamine was banned by law a few years ago. But you can use sponges from the same substance in everyday life. Or not?
It is difficult to imagine the kitchen of a modern hostess without her: after all, a melamine sponge is a real lifesaver. She wipes away stains that no household chemicals can handle, and she does it very easily. But is this not a health hazard?
What is Melamine Sponge
Sponges are made of melamine resin – a synthetic material that is able to penetrate the pores of different surfaces and, thanks to this, effectively cleans them even from old stains. No additional household chemicals are required. You just need to slightly moisten the corner of the melamine sponge and rub the dirt with it. You should not rub the entire surface: this way the sponge will wear out faster. And the corner is quite enough to cut off a baking sheet, to which the remnants of food are tightly burnt, or an old battle pan.
With the help of a melamine sponge, it is easy to wipe off plumbing fixtures, rust from taps, plaque from tiles, and burnt fat from the stove – an absolutely universal tool. Even the sole of a sneaker or a sneaker can bring back its pure white color with a minimum of effort.
The melamine sponge was also appreciated in cleaning by mothers: with the help of this miracle of the chemical industry, you can not only wash dishes, but also traces of felt-tip pens and markers from walls or furniture.
What’s the catch
A few years ago, a scandal broke out with melamine dishes: it turns out that melamine is a very toxic substance that should never come into contact with food. After all, the ability of melamine to penetrate the pores of other materials extends to products. Microscopic particles of melamine enter the body and can settle in the kidneys, increasing the risk of developing urolithiasis.
And here is what the doctor thinks of the melamine sponge.
“Melamine resin is a substance that contains formaldehyde and noniphenol. You should know more about them.
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Formaldehyde Is a strong preservative that is obtained by combining methane and methanol. It was originally a gas that was turned into a solid. WHO has included it in the list of substances hazardous to health, and in Russia it belongs to the second class of hazard.
Formaldehyde is harmful to the mucous membranes and can cause irritation, rashes, itching, as well as headaches, lethargy and sleep disturbances.
Nonifenol – initially a liquid with which certain manipulations were carried out. It is toxic and can disrupt hormonal balance. This synthetic substance is dangerous even in small quantities. “
The doctor clarifies: the manufacturers of melamine sponges are well aware of all the risks, therefore they urge to observe the precautionary measures:
Use the sponge only with gloves. The point is not only that there is a risk of being left without a manicure – the sponge will remove it too. Melamine is absorbed into the skin and through it enters the body.
Do not sponge the dishes. The substance accumulates on the surface, can get into food and into the body. Melamine builds up in the kidneys and can interfere with kidney function.
Keep the sponge out of the reach of children and animals. If a child or pet accidentally bites off and swallows a piece of the sponge, see a doctor immediately.
Do not wet the sponge with hot water or wash off heated surfaces.
Do not use together with household chemicals for cleaning the house.
“There are many restrictions, and that is why I don’t use a sponge,” adds Elena Yarovova.