OECD SIDS MELAMINE

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

FOREWORD INTRODUCTION

MELAMINE

CAS N°:108-78-1
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 111

SIDS INITIAL ASSESSMENT PROFILE

CAS No. 108-78-1

CHEMICAL NAME Melamine, 

1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine 

STRUCTURAL FORMULA N

N N

H2N NH2

NH2

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Environment:

The toxicity of the chemical to aquatic organisms is low. PEC/PNEC ratios are below 1 when based on 

realistic worst case conditions and on monitored concentrations. Therefore, melamine is currently 

considered of low potential risk and low priority for further work. 

Health:

The toxicity of melamine is low. Repeated exposure resulted in urinary bladder stones and other lesions 

of the urinary tract. Bladder tumours occured only in male rats after prolonged irritation of the 

epithelium by the bladder stones. Melamine is not genotoxic. The exposure of workers and consumers is 

low. Therefore, melamine is currently considered of low potential risk and low priority for further work. 

SHORT SUMMARY WHICH SUPPORTS THE REASON FOR THE 

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Melamine is produced in large amounts on few sites. Its main use is as an intermediate in the synthesis 

of melamine resins. 

Environment:

The outstanding physical-chemical property concerning the risk assessment is a low n-octanol/water 

partition coefficient. Melamine is not readily biodegradable but adapted waste- water treatment plants 

can degrade it effectively. Water is the most relevant compartment in the environmental fate of the 

substance.

The ecotoxicity is low, data are available from different species and different trophic levels. 

The environmental exposure estimations were based on some monitored concentrations and on the 

EUSES model. No relevant risk was detected for the environment. Most of the estimated risk 

characterisation ratios (PEC/PNEC) were lower than 1. Those few modelled risk characterisation ratios 

being slightly above 1 could be revised (and lowered to < 1) by assuming realistic worst case conditions. 

Health:

The toxicity to mammals is also low. Studies ranging from skin irritation to carcinogenicity are 

available. Melamine is not genotoxic but it causes carcinomas of the urinary bladder at high doses in 

male rats only. Formation of bladder stones occurred and these calculi are necessary for the induction of 

tumours. Carcinomas are induced by continuous irritation of the bladder epithelium by the calculi, so 

that melamine acts only indirectly as a non-genotoxic carcinogen. A threshold concept can be used. 

Melamine is not irritating to skin and eye, not sensitising and not teratogenic. 

No relevant risk was detected for humans. The estimated margin of safety for workers is at least 210, 

that for consumers at least 6000.
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IF FURTHER WORK IS RECOMMENDED, SUMMARISE ITS NATURE
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 113

FULL SIDS SUMMARY 

CAS NO: 108-78-1 SPECIES PROTOCOL RESULTS

PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL 

2.1 Melting Point Ca. 350 °C 

2.2 Boiling Point Melamine decomposes at > ca. 280 °C. 

2.3 Density 1574 kg/m3

2.4 Vapour Pressure 4.7 x 10-8 Pa at 20 °C 

2.5 Partition Coefficient 

(log Pow) 

 OECD107 -1.14 

2.6 Water Solubility 3.1 g/l at 20 °C 

 pH Ca. 8 at 20 °C 

 pKa No data 

2.9 Flammability Non flammable 

2.10 Explosivity Not explosive 

2.12 Oxidation Reduction 

Potential 

 No data 

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND 

PATHWAY

 

3.1.1

Photodegradation No data 

3.1.2 Stability in Water No data 

3.2 Monitoring Data In air no data 

In surface water d 0.0076 mg/kg 

In soil/sediment d 0.32 mg/kg 

In biota d 0.55 mg/kg 

3.3 Transport and Distribution Calculated 

(Fugacity Level 1 

type) 

To Air <0.000 001 % 

To Water 99.99 % 

To Sediment 0.000 1 % 

To Soil 0.006 % 

To Biota <0.000 001 % 

3.4 Mode of Degradation in 

Actual Use 

 Waste water 

treatment plant 

80-90 % degradation. 

Complete degradation by adapted 

microorganisms.

3.5 Biodegradation activated sludge; 

Pseudomonas sp. 

OECD302B, MITI, 

BOD. 

Not readily biodegradable. 

3.7 Bioaccumulation Cyprinus caprio OECD305C BCF < 0.38. 
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FULL SIDS SUMMARY, cont. 1 

ECOTOXICOLOGY 

4.1 Acute/Prolonged Toxicity 

to Fish 

Leuciscus idus 

melanotus

DIN 38412/L20 LC50,48h > 500 mg/l 

 Oryzias latipes Modified MITI test II LC50,48h = 1000 mg/l 

 Poecilia reticulata LC50,96h > 3000 mg/l 

 Poecilia reticulata LC10,96h > 4400 mg/l 

4.2 Acute Toxicity to Aquatic 

Invertebrates 

Daphnia

Daphnia magna EC50,48h > 2000 mg/l 

4.3 Toxicity to Aquatic Plants 

e.g. Algae 

Scenedesmus 

pannonicus

 EC50,4d = 940 mg/l 

NOEC4d = 320 mg/l 

4.4 Toxicity to Microorganisms Activated sludge OECD209 EC0 > 1992 mg/l 

4.5.1 Chronic Toxicity to Fish Jordanella 

floridae

Early life stage 

toxicity 

NOEC > 1000 mg/l 

 Salmo gairdneri Early life stage 

toxicity 

NOECmacroscop. = 500 mg/l 

NOECmicroscop. < 125 mg/l 

4.5.2 Chronic Toxicity to 

Aquatic Invertebrates 

(Daphnia)

Daphnia magna NOEC21d,reprotox. t 32 mg/l 

LC50,21d > 32 mg/l 

NOEC21d,tox. = 18 mg/l 

4.6.1 Toxicity to Soil Dwelling 

Organisms

 No data. 

4.6.2 Toxicity to Terrestrial 

Plants 

Hordeum vulgare,

Tritium aestivum,

Raphanus sativus,

Lepidum sativum,

Pisum sativum 

 EC50,4d = 530mg/kg 

EC50,4d = 900mg/kg 

EC50,4d = 930mg/kg 

EC50,4d = 1100mg/kg 

EC50,14d = 1680mg/kg 

4.6.3 Toxicity to Other NonMammalian Terrestrial 

Species (Including Birds) 

 No data. 

TOXICOLOGY 

5.1.1 Acute Oral Toxicity F344 rat NTP LD50 = 3161 mg/kg 

 B6C3F1 mice NTP LD50 = 3296 mg/kg 

5.1.2 Acute Inhalation Toxicity rat LC50 = 3248 mg/m3

5.1.3 Acute Dermal Toxicity rabbit LD50 > 1000 mg/kg 

5.2.1 Skin Irritation rabbit; guinea pig not irritating 

5.2.2 Eye Irritation rabbit not irritating 

5.3 Sensitization human; guinea 

pig

 not sensitizing 
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FULL SIDS SUMMARY, cont. 2

TOXICOLOGY, cont. 1 

5.4 Repeated Dose Toxicity rat 14 d, oral with feed, 

NTP

NOEL = ca. 417 mg/kg bw 

 rat 28 d, oral with feed, 

investigation of stone 

formation

NOEL = ca. 240 mg/kg bw 

 rat 13 w, oral with feed, 

NTP

NOEL d ca. 63 mg/kg bw 

 mice 13 w, oral with feed, 

NTP

NOEL = ca. 1600 mg/kg bw 

5.5 Genetic Toxicity In Vitro Results

with / without metabolic activation:

 A. Bacterial Test 

(Gene mutation) 

Salmonella 6 different Ames tests each: negative / negative 

 Photobacterium 

phosphoreum

Bioluminescence 

assay 

negative

 Bacterial Test 

(DNA damage) 

E. coli DNA damage and 

repair

negative / negative 

 E. coli WP2s Microscreen assay. 

Lambda prophage 

induction

positive / positive 

 B. Non-Bacterial in vitro Test 

(Gene mutation) 

Saccharomyces 

cerevisiae D4 

 negative / negative 

 CHO cells HGPRT forward 

mutation assay 

negative / negative 

 mouse lymphoma 

cells 

forward mutation 

assay 

negative / negative 

 Non-Bacterial in vitro Test 

(Chromosomal aberrations) 

CHO cells Cytogenetics negative / negative 

 CHO cells SCE assay negative / equivocal 

 CHO cells SCE assay negative / negative 

 Non-Bacterial in vitro Test 

(DNA damage) 

rat hepatocytes UDS negative 

 rat hepatocytes DNA-repair test negative 

 HeLa S3 cells DNA synthesis 

inhibition test 

negative

 Non-Bacterial in vitro Test 

(cell transformation) 

Balb/c 3T3 Cell transformation 

assay 

negative / negative 

5.6 Genetic Toxicity In Vivo mouse 

 2 different 

micronucleus assays 

each: negative 

 Drosophila SLRL test negative 
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FULL SIDS SUMMARY, cont. 3

TOXICOLOGY, cont. 2 

5.7 Carcinogenicity rat 105 weeks, 2250 and 

4500 ppm (males) or 

4500 and 9000 ppm 

(females) with feed, 

NTP

positive in males, 

negative in females. 

NOEL = ca. 126 mg/kg bw.d 

 rat 24-30 months,100 to 

1000 ppm (males) or 

100 to 2000 ppm 

(females) with feed 

negative in males, 

negative in females 

 mouse 2 years, 1000 and 

10000 ppm with feed, 

NTP

negative in males, 

negative in females. 

 rat, males 36 weeks, 3000 to 

30000 ppm with feed 

positive

 mouse initiation-promotion 

experiment

Melamine is not an initiator 

5.8 Toxicity to Reproduction No special data 

5.9 Developmental Toxicity/ 

Teratogenicity 

rat OECD 414 NOEL = ca. 400 mg/kg bw (maternal 

toxicity) 

NOEL = ca. 1060 mg/kg bw (foetal 

toxicity) 

Not teratogenic. 

5.10 Toxicokinetics rat Melamine is not metabolized and is fast 

eliminated with urine. 

5.11 Experience with Human 

Exposure

 Workplace concentrations of 0.1 to 

1.14 mg/m3

 were monitored in processing 

plants.

 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 117

SIDS Initial Assessment Report 

for the 

8th SIAM 

(Paris, 28 - 30 October 1998) 

Chemical Name: Melamine

 (1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine) 

CAS No: 108-78-1 

Sponsor Country: Austria 

National SIDS Contact Point in Sponsor Country: MR Mag. Heinrich Kohlmann 

HISTORY:

SIDS Dossier and Testing Plan were reviewed at the SIDS Review Meeting on 23 September 1993, 

where the following SIDS Testing Plan was agreed: 

 no testing ( ) 

 testing ( x ): Developmental toxicity / teratogenicity study. 

COMMENTS:

Conclusions and recommendations of the SIDS Initial Assessment Report on melamine were accepted 

at the 8th SIAM. Comments obtained in front of and at the meeting were incorporated in this revision 

of the SIAR. The comments were of minor importance for the overall evaluation so that it was 

accepted at the SIAM that the SIAR on melamine has not to be re-evaluated at a future SIAM. 
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118 UNEP Publications 

1. IDENTITY 

1.1 Identification 

CAS number 108-78-1 

Name 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine 

Synonyms (some) 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-triimine 

 2,4,6-Triamino-s-triazine 

 Cyanuric Triamide 

 Cyanurotriamine 

 Isomelamine 

 Melamine 

 s-Triaminotriazine 

 s-Triazine, 4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2-iminoEINECS-Number 203-615-4 

Structural Formula 

 

N

N N

H2N NH2

NH2

Molecular Formula C3N6H6

Molecular Weight 126.13 

1.2 Characterisation 

Type of substance organic 

Physical state solid (at 20 °C and 101 300 Pa) 

Purity > 99.8 % w/w 

Additives no additives 

1.3 Physical-Chemical Properties 

Melting point ca. 350 °C. Decomposition and sublimation occurs at > ca. 280 °C. 

Density 1 574 kg/m3

 at 20 °C. 

Vapour pressure 4.7 x 10-8 Pa at 20 °C. 

log Pow -1.14 at 25 °C 

Water solubility 3.1 g/l at 20 °C 

 pH ca. 8 at 3 g/l and 20 °C 

Ion formation Melamine is a weak base. It is neutral in the pH range 6 to 13. The 

cation C3N3H+(NH2)3 is present in the pH range 1 to 4. 

Ignition temperature > 600 °C 

Flammability non flammable 

Explosivity not explosive 

Oxidizing properties no oxidizing properties 

1.4 Classification 

No classification is needed according to EC-Directives. 
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2. GENERAL INFORMATION ON EXPOSURE 

2.1 Production Volume 

Ca. 600 000 t/a are produced worldwide by ca. 30 producers. Ca. 250 000 t/a are used in Europe. 

2.2 Uses and Functions 

The main use (ca. 97 % in Europe, > 99 % in Germany) of melamine is the production of melamine 

resins, typically by reaction with formaldehyde ( 4 ). 

Melamine resins or other melamine compounds are used in laminates (e.g. for tabletops), glues, 

adhesives, molding compounds, coatings, paper (to obtain wet strength), textiles (to obtain shrink 

resistance, water repellence, stain repellence, fire retardance), flame retardants or superplastisizer 

for concrete. 

Melamine itself is used as a flame retardant in polyurethan foams in UK (7 000 t/a, i.e. 2.8 % of the 

European market) and possibly for some other minor applications (1 000 t/a, i.e. 0.4 % of the 

European market) as e.g. in paints for fire protection. Other earlier reported uses are probably of no 

importance nowadays. 

The main user of melamine is therefore the chemical industry. Consumer may come into contact 

with melamine itself only in products where melamine is included in a polymer matrix. 

2.3 Form of Marketed Products 

Melamine is shipped as such to the processing facilities. 

2.4 Sources of Release to the Environment 

DSM Melamine, Netherlands, reports a release to waste water of 0.4 kg nitrogen per t of melamine 

produced and of < 0.02 kg nitrogen per t to the receiving river after the waste water treatment plant 

(WWTP). 

Agrolinz Melamin, Austria releases ca. 300 t melamine per year with the waste water. The 

production capacity is ca. 50 000 t/a. The emission to air leaving the same production plant is 41 kg 

melamine per year. 

Discharge into atmosphere during manufacturing and further processing of the melamine produced in 

West Germany in 1989 is estimated at 850 kg, and into waste water treatment plant of BASF AG, at 6 

to 7 t. The contaminated residue (50 to 60 t/a) from production is landfilled as hazardous waste. 

2.5 Information on Safe Handling Procedures 

No special safety precautions are necessary when handling melamine. Protection against dust and 

use of goggles are recommended. 

3. ENVIRONMENT 

3.1 Environmental Exposure 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

120 UNEP Publications 

The EUSES Programme for the Evaluation of Substances, Version 1.00, 1997 was used for the 

estimation of some exposures and as an aid in the risk evaluation. A compact report with input and 

output data is attached as an Annex. In most cases the default data of the programme were used. 

The degradation of melamine in the WWTP (80 to 90 %) was not taken into account as EUSES 

needs a rate constant as input for degradation. A rate constant is not available, only the overall 

degradation.

"Use pattern 1" of the EUSES programme contains the production of melamine and the processing 

to melamine resins and other melamine compounds. "Use pattern 2" is the application of melamine as 

a flame retardant in polymers and "use pattern 3" that in fire protective paints. 

3.1.1 General Discussion 

Based on the physico-chemical properties, water is the preferred environmental compartment of 

melamine. According to the generic FUGMOD model, version 1.0, OECD 1992 the following 

environmental distribution is estimated: 

 to air < 0.000 1 % 

to water 99.99 % 

to soil 0.006 % 

to sediment 0.000 1 % 

Elimination from the water compartment: 

Melamine can not be classified as readily biodegradable. Degradations of 0 % respectively 16 % 

were obtained in two Zahn-Wellens tests on inherent biodegradability. 80-90 % of melamine is 

eliminated by the WWTP of a producer. Complete elimination of melamine is found 8 hours after 

incubation with the activated sludge of the WWTP of another producer whereas no degradation 

occurred with the activated sludge of a domestic WWTP. It is concluded that microorganisms of 

WWTPs can adapt to melamine when continuously exposed. 

Elimination from soil and sediment: 

Melamine is slowly degraded in soil with a half life of 2-3 years.

Nitrification in soil was determined; up to about 18 % of the melamine-N nitrificates in 6-24 weeks. 

The adsorption to soil is estimated to be low. 

Elimination from air: 

Apart from sedimentation of the melamine dust the only relevant information is the maximum of 

absorbance of melamine at 235 nm. 

Distribution in a WWTP: 

According to the EUSES model, without taking into account the monitored degradation within the 

WWTP, the following distribution was obtained: 

fraction of emission directed to: 

3x10-11 air 

1 water 

0.000 02 sludge 

The majority of melamine stays within the water compartment, only minor parts are emitted to 

sludge.
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No bioaccumulation of melamine is expected as a bioconcentration factor of < 0.38 was determined 

in fish ( 2 ). 

3.1.2 Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEC) in water 

A. PEC in the water at the local level 

Data on emission to the waste water are available only for the production of melamine. It is 

assumed that a similar situation applies for the processing of melamine which is also performed in 

industrial chemical plants. 

The following input parameters are used for a site specific estimation: 

Release of melamine from production: 300 t melamine per year (Agrolinz Melamin). 

80 % elimination in the WWTP. 

Duration of emission: 300 days. 

The lowest flow rate of the receiving river Danube is 63 x 106

 m3 / d. 

PECsite specific,water = 0.003 mg/l. 

EUSES modelled concentrations in the effluent of the WWTP are: 94 mg/l for production, 3.0 mg/l 

for processing to resins, 3.3 - 19 mg/l for formulations of polymers or paints. With a default dilution 

of 10 by the receiving river, which is rather low, PECslocal,water = 0.30 - 9.4 mg/l are obtained. 

B. PECs in the water at the regional level 

The EUSES programme was used: 

PECregional,water = 0.0042 mg/l 

C. Monitored concentrations 

Japan monitored the concentration of melamine in rivers during 1986 to 1994 ( 12 ), ( 13 ) and ( 14 

). Concentrations in water ranged from below the detection limit of 0.0001 to 0.0076 mg/kg. No 

individual data are available, therefore no further correlations or evaluations of the monitored 

concentrations can be drawn. 

Considering that the highest values were found only in a few of the 50 areas investigated these 

highest value may represent local PECs more likely than regional PECs. 

D. Conclusion 

For PEClocal,water 3 data are available and are compared: 

 "P"EClocal,water,monitored d 0.0076mg/l 

 PECsite specific,water = 0.003 mg/l 

 PEClocal,water,modelled = 0.3 - 9.4 mg/l 

The modelled PEC is by orders of magnitude higher than the site specific PEC and also the 

monitored concentrations. The reasons are found in the actual degradation of melamine in WWTPs 

of the chemical industry (which is not used in the actual EUSES calculation) and in the higher 

dilution factors by the actual rivers at the production sites compared to that used by EUSES. The 2 

parameters contribute to a lowering of the PEC by at least a factor of 100. 
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A PEClocal,water = 0.1 mg/l is therefore estimated as an average of the 3 available results of different 

sources and is considered to be on the safe side when compared with the more realistic site specific 

and monitored concentrations. 

3.1.3 PECs in compartments other than water 

Local PECs:

Examples of outputs from the EUSES programme are: 

PEClocal,air < 0.000 001 to 0.000 2 mg/m3

PEClocal,sediment = 0.2 to 7 

 mg/kgwwt 

PEClocal,agric.soil = 0.000 2 to 0.006 mg/kgwwt 

PEClocal,pore water in agric.soil = 0.000 8 to 0.02 mg/l 

PEClocal,natural soil = 0.000 02 to 0.000 6 mg/kgwwt 

Conc. in fish, local = 0.36 to 10.9 mg/kg 

Concentrations monitored by Japan: 

Bottom sediment: from below the detection limit of 0.01 to 0.40 mg/kg. 

Fish: from below the detection limit of 0.02 to 0.55 mg/kg. 

Considering that the highest values were found only in a few of the 45 areas investigated these 

highest value may represent local PECs more likely than regional PECs. 

The modelled concentrations are again (as with water) much higher than the monitored one for 

sediment and fish. The highest modelled concentrations were obtained for the production sites. The 

same explanation is offered for the difference between modelled and monitored data as for the 

PECs in water see 3.1.2 D. 

Regional PECs:

PECregional,air < 0.000 000 1 mg/m3

PECregional,sediment = 0.002 5 mg/kgwwt 

PECregional,agric.soil = 0.000 003 5 mg/kgwwt 

PECregional,pore water in agric.soil = 0.000 029 mg/l 

PECregional,natural soil = 0.000 003 4 mg/kgwwt 

PECregional,industrial soil = 0.000 43 mg/kgwwt 

3.2 Effects on the Environment 

3.2.1 Aquatic effects 

A. Fish 

Four acute tests with 3 species (Leuciscus idus melanotus, Oryzias latipes and Poecilia reticulata) 

are available. The LC50 (resp. LC10) is high in each case: > 500; 1000; > 3000; > 4400 mg/l. An 

LC50 of 1000 mg/l was chosen for further evaluations because it is the most recent data and an 

absolute data. 
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UNEP Publications 123

Two investigations on the early life stages of 2 species (Jordanella floridae and Salmo gairdneri) 

were reported. The NOECs are 500 respectively >1000 mg/l. Histological effects which occur at 

lower doses were not considered as they are not comparable with the scope of usual investigations 

of this type. 

B. Daphnia 

The acute EC5048h in Daphnia magna is > 2000 mg/l. 

Results of a long term study ( 1 ) in Daphnia magna are: 

 NOECtoxic,21d = 18 mg/l; LC50 > 32 mg/l; NOECreprotox. > 32 mg/l. 

C. Algae 

Results of a 4 days growth inhibition study ( 17 ) in Scenedesmus pannonicus: NOEC = 320 mg/l 

and EC50 = 940 mg/l. 

D. Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) 

Short term tests with species of 3 trophic levels are available and in addition studies on chronic 

toxicity and reproduction toxicity with Daphnia, early life stage toxicity with fish and chronic 

toxicity with algae. 

Melamine has a low acute and also low long term toxicity. The interspecies differences are not 

pronounced. The low bioconcentration factor gives no suspicion as to late effects after long term 

exposure.

The lowest short term L(E)C50 is 940 mg/l taken from the study with algae. Applying an 

assessment factor of 1000, as proposed by the SIDS Manual of the OECD 1996, a PNECaqua of 0.94 

mg/l is obtained. 

Considering the lowest chronic or long term NOEC of 18 mg/l from the test with Daphnia and using 

an assessment factor of 10 in agreement with the SIDS Manual a somewhat higher PNECaqua of 1.8 

mg/l is calculated. 

In summary, as the chronic tests are given more weight than the acute tests a PNECaqua = 1.8 mg/l

is estimated. This is in agreement with the EUSES programme. 

3.2.2 Terrestrial effects 

Short term growth studies with 4 species (Hordeum vulgare, Tritium aestivum, Raphanus sativus 

and Lepidum sativum) and one 14 days study with Pisum sativum/Phaseolus vulgaris were reported. 

The EC50s were between 530 and 1100 mg/l. The NOEC in the 14 days study was 1680 ppm. 

A PNECterrestrial of ca. 0.5 mg/kg is estimated using an assessment factor of 1000. 

3.2.3 Other effects 

Tests with activated sludge and with Nitrosomonas sp. and Pseudomonas putida were reported. The 

toxicity of melamine is low in each case. Results: 

 EC0 > 1992 mg/l for activated sludge; 

 EC0 > 100 mg/l for Nitrosomonas sp.; 
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124 UNEP Publications 

 EC10 > 10 000 mg/l for Pseudomonas putida. 

3.3 Initial Assessment for the Environment 

The Risk Characterisation Ratio RCR = PEC/PNEC was calculated for the most important 

compartment water. No remarkable risk of melamine to the local water compartment is derived 

when entering PEClocal,water = 0.1 mg/l and a PNECaqua = 1.8 mg/l: RCRlocal,water = 0.056. 

When applying the EUSES programm with default inputs the whole spectrum of RCRs for the 

different compartments and spaces is obtained, see EUSES Compact Report in the Annex. 

Most of the RCRs are < 1.0, e.g.: 

RCRlocal,soil = 0.00035 to 0.011 

RCRWWTP < 0.015 to 0.47 

RCRregional,water = 0.0023 

RCRregional,soil = 0.000 007 

RCRregional,sediment = 0.002 

Only 4 local RCRs were calculated as > 1: 

RCRlocal,water,production = 5.2 

RCRlocal,sediment,production = 6.6 

RCRlocal,water,formulation in polymers = 1.04 

RCRlocal,sediment,formulation in polymers = 1.3 

Mainly the environment of the production site of melamine is involved. PECswater of production 

sites are by at least a factor of 100 lower than that calculated by EUSES, see also section 3.1.2. The 

resulting more realistic RCRlocal,water is below 1.0 and is in agreement with the manually calculated 

RCRlocal,water = 0.056.

As a consequence of the corrections applied for water, also the RCRlocal,sediment of production sites 

are lower than 1. 

Only for plants producing polymers containing melamine as a flame retardant some minor problems 

could arise (according to the model calculation as two RCRs are just above 1.0) if they are neither 

connected to a WWTP nor release their waste water to a river with a medium or high flow rate. A 

coincidence of both conditions together with all the other worst case conditions of the model 

calculation is not likely.

In summary melamine presents a low risk to the environment. 

4. HUMAN HEALTH 

The EUSES programme was applied only for estimation of the indirect exposure via the 

environment. Insufficient input data are available for the evaluation of the situation of consumers 

and workers by EUSES. 

4.1 Human Exposure 

Occupational exposure in production or processing plants will be the most relevant human 

exposure. No major consumer exposures occur because most of the melamine is processed further 
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UNEP Publications 125

in the industry to mainly melamine resins. Only minor amounts of melamine itself are used in 

polymers or paints and could come into contact with humans. 

4.1.1 Indirect exposure via the environment 

The bioaccumulation potential of melamine and the aquatic concentrations are low. No remarkable 

contribution of food from aquatic organisms to the uptake of melamine in human is therefore 

expected.

With worst case assumptions: 

x the highest monitored concentration in water (= ca. 1/10 PEClocal,water , see section 3.1.2) of 

0.0076 mg/l is taken as the drinking water concentration, 

x the highest monitored concentration in fish of 0.55 mg/kg ( 12 ) is used for calculating food 

intake,

x 2 l water intake per day; 0.115 kg fish intake per day; 70 kg bw, a daily intake (an estimated 

human exposure EHE) of ca. 0.0011 mg/kg bw is calculated. EHE"monitored" = 0.0011 mg.kg-1.d-1.

Results from EUSES: Local total daily intakes are highest (0.24 mg.kg-1.d-1) for the production of 

melamine and lowest (0.0078 mg.kg-1.d-1) for processing. Taking the evaluation in section 3.3 of the 

fate of the waste water of the producers into account, an EHElocal = 0.0024 mg.kg-1.d-1 is obtained 

and is about in agreement with the EHE derived from the monitored data. 

EHElocal = 0.0024 mg.kg-1.d-1.

The regional total daily intake for humans EHEregional = ca. 0.00005 mg.kg-1.d-1.

4.1.2 Occupational exposure 

Inhalation during production:

The production of melamine occurs in closed systems with at most low exposures of workers. Only 

in filling or cleaning operations or in emergency situations some - time limited - exposure to 

melamine dust may occur. No workplace exposure limit values for melamine are settled. 

An estimated human exposure (EHE) is derived with the following inputs: 

Duration of filling or cleaning operations: 10 h per week. 

Concentration: 5 mg/m3

 (considering e.g. the general inspireable dust limit of 4 mg/m3 of 

Germany). 

Respiration rate: 20 m3

/d.

Body weight: 70 kg. 

Complete absorption. 

EHEinhalation,worker,production = 0.085 mg.kg-1.d-1.

Inhalation during processing:

Concentration of 0.1 to 1.14 mg melamine / m3 air were monitored in 2 melamine processing plants. 

With 40 h operation and 1.1 mg/m3

 an EHEinhalation,worker,processing = 0.075 mg.kg-1.d-1 is obtained. 

Dermal exposure:

The skin area (hands: 0.118 m2) in contact with melamine and the thickness of the layer (0.1 mm) is 

taken from the EUSES defaults. Two replacements of the layer by washing per day are assumed. 

The mean bulk density of melamine is ca. 500 kg/m3

. The density on the skin is estimated to be 

1/10 of the bulk density. An absorption of 1 % is assumed, because of the poor migration in the 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

126 UNEP Publications 

rather thick layer of dust, the flaking off and the probably low penetration (because of the low 

partition coefficient). An EHEdermal,worker = 0.17 mg.kg-1.d-1 is estimated with these assumptions. 

The overall exposure (inhalation + dermal + indirect via environment) is estimated to: 

EHEworker = 0.3 mg.kg-1.d-1.

4.1.3 Consumer exposure 

Consumer exposure is considered to be low because most of the produced melamine does not reach 

the consumer and as no product which contains free melamine is known to be marketed. Melamine 

is included in polymer matrices in those products reaching the consumer. 

Only 1 relevant monitored data is reported: 0.54 to 2.21 mg melamine / kg were found in lemon or 

orange juice, in coffee or curdled milk after extraction of melamine from compression moulds by 

these acidic foods at high temperatures ( 10 ). Taking 0.5 kg as the average intake of these - hot - 

foods per day and a body weight of 70 kg an uptake of ca. 0.007 mg melamine kg-1.d-1 is estimated. 

EHEoral,consumer = 0.007 mg.kg-1.d-1.

The dermal (and the inhalation) exposure by e.g. contact to polymers containing melamine is 

considered to be negligible, as a worst case 1 % of the occupational exposure is assumed: 

EHE = ca. 0.003 mg.kg-1.d-1.

The overall exposure (oral + inhalation + dermal + indirect via environment) is estimated to: 

EHEconsumer = 0.01 mg.kg-1.d-1.

4.2 Effects on Human Health 

4.2.1 Acute toxicity 

The acute toxicity was investigated in 9 studies in different species (rat, mouse and rabbit) and by 

several routes of administration. The lowest LD50s are: 

LD50oral, rat = 3161 mg/kg bw. 

LC50inhal.,rat = 3.2 mg/l. 

LD50dermal,rabbit > 1000 mg/kg bw. 

LD50i.p.,mouse = 112 mg/kg bw. 

Melamine is not irritating to the skin and eye of rabbits and also to the skin of guinea pigs. Melamin 

is not a sensitizer in a human patch test and in a study with guinea pigs. 

4.2.2 Repeated dose toxicity 

Six studies with rats, oral administration of melamine with the feed and dosing periods of 14 days to 

3 months are available. Additional studies with mice and also rather old studies with intraperitoneal 

administration, and rabbits and dogs were also reported. 

Summarised findings of the different studies are: Depression of body weight gain and elevated 

water intake were observed at higher doses of t ca. 500 mg.kg-1.d-1. The target organ system is the 

urinary tract. Melamine has a diuretic effect, it produces urinary bladder stones (urolithiasis), 

hyperplastic epithelial changes of the urinary bladder and calcerous deposits in the proximal kidney 

tubules. In mice ulceration as well as hyperplasias of the bladder occurred. Changes in the urinary 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 127

bladder were noted in the studies depending on the dose and the species used. A GLP 28 days study 

in rats ( 19 ) to evaluate urolithiasis indicated a dose dependent incidence of urinary bladder calculi 

and hyperplasia.The rat and especially the male rat is more susceptible than the mouse. 

Ca. 63 and 240 mg.kg-1.d-1 are regarded as the lowest NOELs from a 13 weeks study ( 11 ) and a 28 

days study ( 19 ). This applies also for stone formation. Long term studies, see 4.2.4, give a higher 

NOEL of 126 mg/kg bw in male rats than the 13 weeks study so that no further safety factor has to 

be applied, when taking NOEL = ca. 63 mg.kg-1.d-1 also for long term exposure. 

4.2.3 Genotoxicity 

A lot of studies with different endpoints (point mutation, chromosome aberration, DNA damage, 

cell transformation) and with different organisms and cells were performed. The studies included 

the usually performed assays as Ames test (6 studies), micronucleus test (2 studies), cytogenetics in 

vitro, HGPRT assay, etc. but also some not as common assays as e.g. a bioluminescence assay. 

20 out of the 22 available studies were negative. 1 sister chromatid exchange test with CHO cells 

was equivocal as 1 of 2 trials without metabolic activation was positive. Another sister chromatid 

exchange test was negative. 

The microscreen assay with lambda prophage induction in E. coli was positive with and without 

metabolic activation. This test is one of the assays which is not as common as others and where the 

relevance of the results still lacks a broad acceptance. Not much weight is therefore given to the 

result.

Altogether melamine is considered to be not genotoxic and not mutagenic. 

4.2.4 Carcinogenicity 

Additionally to the diuretic effect, the bladder stones and the hyperplastic epithelial changes of the 

urinary bladder already described under "repeated dose toxicity" long term effects were noted. 

These are inflammation and the occurence of transitional cell papillomas and carcinomas of the 

urinary bladder and chronic inflammation of the kidney. 

The most relevant carcinogenicity studies are those performed by the National Toxicology 

Programme (NTP) with rats and mice (11). Melamine was added to the feed in 2 concentrations in 

each of the studies. The study duration was 2 years for rats and mice. Results that are relevant to the 

carcinogenicity were: 

Male rats: Survival of the high dosed animals was reduced. The urinary bladder was the primary 

site affected. Transitional cell carcinomas were detected in the high dosed group (4500 ppm, ca. 263 

mg/kg bw). The low dose (2250 ppm, ca. 126 mg/kg bw) was also the NOEL. An increased 

incidence of bladder stones was detected in the high dosed animals. There is a correlation between 

the formation of bladder calculi and bladder tumours. 

Female rats: No transitional cell carcinoma or other neoplasms of the bladder and no bladder stone 

were observed in any of the animals. Chronic inflammation of the kidney was observed in both 

dosed groups (4500 ppm and 9000 ppm). The NOEL is below 4500 ppm (ca. 262 mg/kg bw). 

Male mice: Survival of the high dosed animals was reduced. No neoplastic substance related lesions 

were found. The incidences of bladder stones, acute and chronic inflammation and epithelial 
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128 UNEP Publications 

hyperplasia of the urinary bladder were increased in both dosed groups (2250 and 4500 ppm). The 

NOEL is below 2250 ppm (ca. 327 mg/kg bw). 

Female mice: No neoplastic substance related lesions were found. 4/50 animals of the high dosed 

group (4500 ppm) had bladder stones. No other lesions associated with melamine were detected. 

The NOEL is 2250 ppm (ca. 523 mg/kg bw). 

A second 2-2.5 years carcinogenicity study (6) with rats and mixing of melamine to the feed was 

performed with lower doses (m: 100, 500 and 1000 ppm. f: 100, 1000, 2000 ppm). No increased 

incidences of urinary bladder tumours and urinary bladder calculi were detected in both sexes. The 

NOEL is not stated and is also not quite clear from the report, probably it is the high dose. The 

study is not as relevant as the NTP studies because the tumours possibly occurring above 1000 

respectively 2000 ppm could not be recorded. 

A third 2 years carcinogenicity study of 1953 with rats and mixing melamine to the diet is outdated 

and not relevant. At 10 000 ppm increased incidences of bladder stones and bladder papillomas but 

no melamine related neoplasms were found. 

Another study (15) with the main purpose to demonstrate a possible relationship of calculus 

formation and carcinogenesis in the urinary bladder was performed with male rats only and 

administration of melamine (or thymine) over 36 weeks to the feed. Doses used: 3 000, 10 000 and 

30 000 ppm. Bladder weight was increased in the mid and high dosed group. Significantly increased 

incidences of papillary or nodular hyperplasia, of papillomatosis and of calculi of the urinary 

bladder were found in the mid and high dosed group. Significantly increased incidences of 

papillomas and carcinomas of the urinary bladder were detected only in the high dosed group. A 

few papillomas and carcinomas were observed in the ureter of the high dosed animals. A significant 

correlation between calculus formation and tumour incidence was found. It is concluded that 

(thymine or) melamine-induced calculi per se can induce carcinomas in the urinary bladder. The 

NOEL is not stated but is derived from the data to be 3000 ppm. The conversion to mg/kg bw is 

uncertain, as the mean body weight is not reported. An estimated mean body weight of 400 g would 

give ca. 110 mg/kg bw (as reported in the Full SIDS Dossier); when applying the default conversion 

factor of the EUSES programme a NOEL of 150 mg/kg bw would be obtained. 

Further studies were performed to investigate the mechanism of bladder tumour formation: 

x Addition of NaCl to a melamine containing diet can suppress the formation of calculi and 

reduce the incidence of transitional cell papillomas and carcinomas compared to the same 

melamine dose alone. The suppression is due to the induction of polyuria by NaCl. The 

proposed sequence of effects is: polyuria - decreased formation of calculi - reduced irritative 

stimulation of the epithelium - reduced proliferative lesions - lower incidence of tumours. 

Conclusion: The formation of bladder stones is essential for the tumour induction (14). 

x In an initiation-promotion experiment melamine did not act as an initiating agent in mouse skin 

(17).

x An association between the formation of bladder stones and bladder neoplasms in rats was also 

found with other substances (7). 

Several evaluations of the results of the carcinogenicity studies were performed (5), (9) and (3). The 

conclusions are: 

x The formation of bladder stones and the resulting irritation of the bladder epithelium are 

necessary for the tumour induction. Melamine is only indirectly responsible for the occurrence 

of bladder tumours. 
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UNEP Publications 129

x The incidence of calculi is dose dependent. 

x Bladder tumours were only observed in the male rat and not in female rats or mice of both 

sexes.

x An experiment did not reveal melamine as a tumour initiator. 

x Melamine is not genotoxic. The mechanism for the tumour production is a non-genotoxic one. 

x A threshold for the formation of neoplasms can therefore be established. 

The recent overall evaluation of the IARC ( 20 ) is: "In making its overall evaluation, the Working 

Group noted that the non-DNA-reactive mechanism by which melamine produced urinary bladder 

tumours in male rats occurred only under conditions in which calculi were produced. Melamine is not

classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3)."

The threshold is taken as the NOEL of ca. 126 mg/kg bw from the NTP long term study with male 

rats. Thresholdcarcinogenicity = 126 mg.kg-1.d-1.

4.2.5 Reproduction / developmental toxicity 

No indication of an effect to the reproductive organs was obtained from the repeated dose and 

chronic toxicity studies: Mammary glands, ovaries, prostate, seminal vesicles, testes and uterus 

were examined macroscopically and microscopically in 13-weeks and in chronic toxicity studies 

with rats and mice ( 11 ) and were found to be unaffected by melamine at each of the doses used. 

The lowest NOEL for general toxicity in these studies was ca. 63 mg.kg-1.d-1, see also 4.2.2 and 

4.2.4.

Melamine is not teratogenic in an investigation with rats ( 8 ). The NOEL for the foetuses is ca. 

1060 mg.kg-1.d-1 based on no findings in the high dose used. A NOEL of ca. 400 mg.kg-1.d-1 (the 

medium dose in this study) is based on the maternal toxicity. Decreased body weight and feed 

consumption and haematuria of the dams were signs of maternal toxicity. 

4.2.6 Toxicokinetics 

Melamine is not metabolized and is rapidly eliminated via urine in a study with oral application to 

rats. The elimination half-life in plasma is about 3 hours. 

4.3 Initial Assessment for Human Health 

Sufficient data on the exposure and the effects are available to perform an initial risk assessment of 

melamine. 

The lowest NOEL from the different toxicity studies is 63 mg.kg-1.d-1.

The NOEL for the carcinogenicity study was higher (ca. 126 mg.kg-1.d-1), a threshold for bladder 

stones and therefore for tumours at 126 mg.kg-1.d-1 is likely to exist so that the margin of safety for 

the critical property "carcinogenicity" is even higher by a factor of 2 than that calculated in the next 

sections from the general toxicity of melamine. 

4.3.1 Occupational risk 

Inhalation and dermal contact of dust are considered to be the main routes of intake of melamine. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

130 UNEP Publications 

The NOEL of 63 mg.kg-1.d-1 is 210 times higher than the estimated overall human exposure (EHE) 

of 0.3 mg.kg-1.d-1 (see section 4.1.2). 

A margin of safety (MOS) = NOEL/EHE is calculated: 

MOSworker = 210. 

MOSworker,carcinogenicity = 420.

Other possible effects, i.e. irritation to the skin and eye, sensitisation, mutagenicity and 

teratogenicity do not present a relevant risk. 

It is concluded that workers are of low risk. 

4.3.2 Consumer risk 

An overall human exposure of 0.01 mg.kg-1.d-1 , see section 4.1.3 was estimated. 

MOSconsumer = 6000. 

MOSconsumer,carcinogenicity = 12000. 

Other possible effects, i.e. irritation to the skin and eye, sensitisation, mutagenicity and 

teratogenicity do not present a relevant risk. 

It is concluded that consumers are of low risk. 

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

5.1 Conclusions 

Melamine is produced in large amounts on few sites. Its main use is as an intermediate in the 

synthesis of melamine resins. 

Environment:

The outstanding physical-chemical property concerning the risk assessment is a low n-octanol/water

partition coefficient. Melamine is not readily biodegradable but adapted waste water treatment 

plants can degrade it effectively. Water is the most relevant compartment in the environmental fate 

of the substance. 

The ecotoxicity is low, data are available from different species and different trophic levels. 

The environmental exposure estimations were based on some monitored concentrations and on the 

EUSES model. No relevant risk was detected for the environment. Most of the estimated risk 

characterisation ratios (PEC/PNEC) were lower than 1. Those few modelled risk characterisation 

ratios beeing slightly above 1 could be revised (and lowered to < 1) by assuming realistic worst case 

conditions.

Therefore, melamine is currently considered of low potential risk. 

Health:

The toxicity to mammals is also low. Studies ranging from skin irritation to carcinogenicity are 

available. Melamine is not genotoxic but it causes carcinomas of the urinary bladder at high doses 

in male rats only. Formation of bladder stones occurred and these calculi are necessary for the 

induction of tumours. Carcinomas are induced by continuous irritation of the bladder epithelium by 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 131

the calculi, so that melamine acts only indirectly as a non-genotoxic carcinogen. A threshold 

concept can be used. Melamine is not irritating to skin and eye, not sensitising and not teratogenic. 

No relevant risk was detected for humans. The estimated margin of safety for workers is at least 

210, that for consumers at least 6000. 

Therefore, melamine is currently considered of low potential risk. 

5.2 Recommendations 

Melamine is presently of low priority for further work. 

No further testing is required. 

No risk reduction measures are proposed. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

132 UNEP Publications 

6. REFERENCES 

( 1 ) Adema, D.M.M., The acute and chronic toxicity of melamine to Daphnia magna, TNOreport, prepared on behalf of DSM Central Laboratory, 1-10, Report no. CL 78/60, 1978. 

( 2 ) Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation Data of Existing Chemicals Based on the CSCL Japan, 

ed. by Chemicals Inspection and Testing Institute Japan, published by Japan Chemical 

Industry Ecology-Toxicology and Information Center, October 1992. 

( 3 ) Cohen S.M. and Lawson T.A., Rodent bladder tumors do not always predict for humans, 

Cancer Lett. 93, 9-16, 1995. 

( 4 ) Crews G.M., Ripperger W., Kersebohm D.B. and Seeholzer J., Melamine and Guanamines, 

in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol A16, p. 171-185, 5th ed., VCH 

Verlagsgesellschaft, 1990. 

( 5 ) FDA Cancer Assessment Committee, 1984. 

( 6 ) Hazelton Raltech Report for American Cyanamid Company, 2-Year chronic feeding study of 

melamine in Fisher 344 rats, unpublished data, 1983. 

( 7 ) Heck H.A. und Tyl R.W., The induction of bladder stones by tereohthalic acid, dimethyl 

terephthalate, and melamine and its relevance to risk assessment, Regulat. Tox. Pharmacol. 

5, 294-313, 1985. 

( 8 ) Hellwig J., Gembrandt Ch. Hildebrandt B., Melamine - Prenatal Toxicity in Wistar Rats after 

oral Administration (Diet), Project No. 32R0242/94007, 1996. 

( 9 ) IARC Monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, Vol. 

39, 1985. 

( 10 ) Ishiwata H. et al., Liquid chromatographic determination of melamine in beverages, J. 

Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem., 70, 457-460, 1987. 

( 11 ) Melnick R.L. et al., Urolithiasis and bladder carcinogenicity of melamine in rodents, 

Toxicol.Appl.Pharmacol. 72, 292-303, 1984. 

( 12 ) Office of Health Studies, Chemicals in the Environment, Report on Environmental Survey 

and Wildlife Monitoring of Chemicals in F.Y. 1986 and 1987, Department of Environmental 

Health, Japan, 1989. 

( 13 ) Office of Health Studies, Chemicals in the Environment, Report on Environmental Survey 

and Wildlife Monitoring of Chemicals in F.Y. 1988 and 1989, Department of Environmental 

Health, Japan, 1991. 

( 14 ) Office of Health Studies, Chemicals in the Environment, Report on Environmental Survey 

and Wildlife Monitoring of Chemicals in F.Y. 1995, Department of Environmental Health, 

Japan, 1997. 

( 15 ) Ogasawara H. et al., Urinary bladder carcinogenesis induced by melamine in F344 male rats: 

correlation between carcinogenicity and urolith formation, Carcinogenesis 16, 2773-2777, 

1995.

( 16 ) Okumura M. et al., Relationship between calculus formation and carcinogenesis in the 

urinary bladder of rats administered the non-genotoxic agents, thymine or melamine, 

Carcinogenesis 13, 1043-1045, 1992. 

( 17 ) Oldersma H., Hanstveit A.O., The effect of the product melamine on the growth of the green 

alga Scenedesmus pannonicus, TNO-report no. 81/188, 1-12, 1982. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 133

( 18 ) Perrella F.W. und Boutwell R.K., Triethylenemelamine: an initiator of two stage 

carcinogenesis in mouse skin which lacks the potential of a complete carcinogen, 

Canc.Letters 21, 37-41, 1983. 

( 19 ) RTI, Evaluation of urolithiasis induction by melamine in male weanling Fischer 344 rats, 

Project No. 31T-2407 for American Cyanamid Company, unpublished data, 1982. 

( 20 ) Wilbourn, J.D., IARC - WHO, personal communication, 30 November 1998. 

ANNEXES 

x EUSES Compact Report. 

x Full SIDS Dossier. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

134 UNEP Publications 

EUSES Compact report Single substance 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Printed on 1998.08.18 16:04:39 

 Study Melamine 

 Substance Melamine 

 Defaults Standard 

 Assessment types 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, 3B 

 Base set complete No 

 Explanation status column 'O' = Output; 'D' = Default; 'S' = Set; 

 'I' = Imported 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Name Value Units Status 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 STUDY 

 STUDY IDENTIFICATION 

 Study name Melamine S 

 Study description OECD HPV S 

 Author Heinz Hofer S 

 Institute Austrian Research Center S 

 Seibersdorf 

 Address D 

 Zip code A-2444 S 

 City Seibersdorf S 

 Country Austria S 

 Telephone ** 43 2254 780 3501 S 

 Telefax ** 43 2254 780 3653 S 

 Email heinz.hofer@arcs.ac.at S 

 Calculations checksum43924A97 S 

 SUBSTANCE 

 SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION 

 General name Melamine S 

 Description 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine S 

 CAS-No 108-78-1 S 

 EC-notification no. D 

 EINECS no. 203-615-4 S 

 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

 Molecular weight 126.13 [g.mol-1] S 

 Melting point 350 [oC] S 

 Boiling point >350 [oC] S 

 Vapour pressure at 25 [oC] 1.1E-07 [Pa] S 

 Octanol-water partition coefficient. -1.14 [log10] S 

 Water solubility 3.1E+03 [mg.l-1] S 

 RELEASE ESTIMATION 

 CHARACTERIZATION AND TONNAGE 

 High Production Volume Chemical Yes S 

 Production volume of chemical in EU 2.5E+05 [tonnes.yr-1] S 

 Volume of chemical imported to EU 0 [tonnes.yr-1] D 

 Volume of chemical exported from EU 0 [tonnes.yr-1] D 

 Intermittent release No D 

 USE PATTERNS 

 EMISSION INPUT DATA [USE PATTERN 1] 

 Industry category 3 Chemical industry: S 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 135

 chemicals used in 

 synthesis 

 Use category 33 Intermediates S 

 Emission scenario document available Yes O 

 Extra details on use category Substance processed S 

 elsewhere 

 Extra details on use category No extra details necessary S 

 Fraction of tonnage for application 0.97 [-] S 

 Fraction of chemical in formulation 1E-20 [-] S 

 Production Yes S 

 Formulation No S 

 Processing Yes S 

 Private use No S 

 Recovery No S 

 Main category production Ic Intermed. stored S 

 off-site/dedicated equip. 

 Main category formulation III Multi-purpose S 

 equipment 

 Main category processing Ib Continuous production S 

 process 

 EMISSION INPUT DATA [USE PATTERN 2] 

 Industry category 11 Polymers industry S 

 Use category 22 Flame-retardants and S 

 fire preventing agents 

 Emission scenario document available No O 

 Extra details on use category Polymer processing S 

 Extra details on use category Thermoplastics: additives, S 

 pigments, fillers 

 Fraction of tonnage for application 0.028 [-] S 

 Fraction of chemical in formulation 0.1 [-] S 

 Production No O 

 Formulation Yes S 

 Processing No S 

 Private use Yes S 

 Recovery No S 

 Main category production III Multi-purpose D 

 equipment 

 Main category formulation Ib Dedicated equipment, S 

 (very) little cleaning 

 Main category processing III Non-dispersive use S 

 EMISSION INPUT DATA [USE PATTERN 3] 

 Industry category 14 Paints, lacquers and S 

 varnishes industry 

 Use category 22 Flame-retardants and S 

 fire preventing agents 

 Emission scenario document available Yes O 

 Extra details on use category Water based S 

 Extra details on use category Constructions, S 

 maintenance, etc. 

 Fraction of tonnage for application 4E-03 [-] S 

 Fraction of chemical in formulation 0.1 [-] S 

 Production No S 

 Formulation Yes S 

 Processing No S 

 Private use Yes S 

 Recovery No S 

 Main category production III Multi-purpose S 

 equipment 

 Main category formulation Ib Dedicated equipment, S 

 (very) little cleaning 

 Main category processing II Inclusion into or onto a S 

 matrix 

 DEGRADATION AND TRANSFORMATION RATES 
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136 UNEP Publications 

 CHARACTERIZATION AND STP 

 Characterization of biodegradability Not biodegradable S 

 Degradation calculation method in STP First order, standard S 

 OECD/EU tests 

 Rate constant for biodegradation in STP 0 [d-1] O 

 Total rate constant for degradation in STP 0 [d-1] O 

 Maximum growth rate of specific microorganisms 2 [d-1] D 

 Half saturation concentration 0.5 [g.m-3] D 

 ENVIRONMENTAL 

 Specific degradation rate constant with OH-radicals 0 [cm3.molec-1.s-1] D 

 Rate constant for degradation in air 0 [d-1] O 

 Rate constant for hydrolysis in surface water 6.93E-07 [d-1] O 

 Rate constant for photolysis in surface water 6.93E-07 [d-1] O 

 Rate constant for biodegradation in surface water 0 [d-1] O 

 Total rate constant for degradation in bulk surface water 1.39E-06 [d-1] O 

 Rate constant for biodegradation in bulk soil 6.93E-07 [d-1] O 

 Total rate constant for degradation in bulk soil 6.93E-07 [d-1] O 

 Rate constant for biodegradation in aerated sediment 6.93E-07 [d-1] O 

 Total rate constant for degradation in bulk sediment 6.93E-08 [d-1] O 

 EFFECTS 

 INPUT OF EFFECTS DATA 

 MICRO-ORGANISMS 

 EC50 for micro-organisms in a STP >1.992E+03 [mg.l-1] S 

 Specific bacterial population? No S 

 EC10 for micro-organisms in a STP >1.992E+03 [mg.l-1] S 

 Specific bacterial population? No S 

 NOEC for micro-organisms in a STP >1.992E+03 [mg.l-1] S 

 Specific bacterial population? No S 

 AQUATIC ORGANISMS 

 LC50 for fish 1000 [mg.l-1] S 

 L(E)C50 for Daphnia >2E+03 [mg.l-1] S 

 EC50 for algae 940 [mg.l-1] S 

 LC50 for other aquatic species ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Species other D 

 NOEC for fish 500 [mg.l-1] S 

 NOEC for Daphnia 18 [mg.l-1] S 

 NOEC for algae 320 [mg.l-1] S 

 NOEC for other aquatic species ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Additional aquatic NOEC ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Additional aquatic NOEC ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Additional aquatic NOEC ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Additional aquatic NOEC ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Additional aquatic NOEC ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 Additional aquatic NOEC ?? [mg.l-1] D 

 TERRESTRIAL ORGANISMS 

 LC50 for plants 530 [mg.kgwwt-1] S 

 LC50 for earthworms ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 EC50 for microorganisms ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 LC50 for other terrestrial species ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Species other D 

 NOEC for plants 1.68E+03 [mg.kgwwt-1] S 

 NOEC for earthworms ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 NOEC for microorganisms ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 NOEC for other terrestrial species ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 NOEC for other terrestrial species ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Additional terrestrial NOEC ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Additional terrestrial NOEC ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Additional terrestrial NOEC ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Additional terrestrial NOEC ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Additional terrestrial NOEC ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 

 Additional terrestrial NOEC ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] D 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 137

 BIRDS 

 LC50 in avian dietary study (5 days) ?? [mg.kg-1] D 

 NOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] D 

 NOEC via food ?? [mg.kg-1] O 

 Duration of (sub-)chronic oral test Chronic S 

 Conversion factor NOAEL to NOEC 8 [kg.d.kg-1] D 

 MAMMALS 

 ACUTE 

 Oral LD50 3.16E+03 [mg.kg-1] S 

 Oral Discriminatory Dose ?? [mg.kg-1] D 

 Dermal LD50 >1E+03 [mg.kg-1] S 

 Inhalatory LC50 3.2E+03 [mg.m-3] S 

 (SUB)CHRONIC 

 Oral NOAEL 63 [mg.kg-1.d-1] S 

 Oral LOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] O 

 Inhalatory NOAEL 294 [mg.m-3] O 

 Inhalatory LOAEL ?? [mg.m-3] O 

 Dermal NOAEL 63 [mg.kg-1.d-1] O 

 Dermal LOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] O 

 NOEC via food 630 [mg.kg-1] O 

 LOEC via food ?? [mg.kg-1] D 

 Duration of (sub-)chronic oral test 90 days S 

 Species for conversion of NOAEL to NOEC Rattus norvegicus (<6 S 

 weeks) 

 Conversion factor NOAEL to NOEC 10 [kg.d.kg-1] O 

 HUMANS 

 (SUB)CHRONIC 

 Oral NOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] D 

 Oral LOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] D 

 Dermal NOEC in a medium ?? [mg.cm-3] D 

 Dermal LOEC in a medium ?? [mg.cm-3] D 

 Inhalatory (fibre) NOAEL ?? [fibres.m-3] D 

 Inhalatory (fibre) LOAEL ?? [fibres.m-3] D 

 Dermal LOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] O 

 Dermal NOAEL ?? [mg.kg-1.d-1] O 

 Inhalatory LOAEL ?? [mg.m-3] O 

 Inhalatory NOAEL ?? [mg.m-3] O 

 CURRENT CLASSIFICATION 

 Corrosive (C, R34 or R35) No S 

 Irritating to skin (Xi, R38) No S 

 Irritating to eyes (Xi, R36) No S 

 Risk of serious damage to eyes (Xi, R41) No S 

 Irritating to respiratory system (Xi, R37) No S 

 May cause sensitisation by inhalation (Xn, R42) No S 

 May cause sensitisation by skin contact (Xi, R43) No S 

 May cause cancer (T, R45) No S 

 May cause cancer by inhalation (T, R49) No S 

 Possible risk of irreversible effects (Xn, R40) No S 

 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ASSESSMENT 

 INTERMEDIATE RESULTS AQUATIC ORGANISMS, MICRO-ORGANISMS AND PREDATORS 

 Toxicological data used for extrapolation to PNEC Aqua 18 [mg.l-1] O 

 Assessment factor applied in extrapolation to PNEC Aqua 10 [-] O 

 Toxicological data used for extrapolation to PNEC Aqua 940 [mg.l-1] O 

 Assessment factor applied in extrapolation to PNEC Aqua 100 [-] O 

 Toxicological data used for extrapolation to PNEC micro >1.99E+03 [mg.l-1] O 

 Assessment factor applied in extrapolation to PNEC micro 10 [-] O 

 Toxicological data used for extrapolation to PNEC oral 630 [mg.kg-1] O 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

138 UNEP Publications 

 Assessment factor applied in extrapolation to PNEC oral 30 [-] O 

 INTERMEDIATE RESULTS TERRESTRIAL AND SEDIMENT ORGANISMS 

 Toxicological data used for extrapolation to PNEC Terr 530 [mg.kgwwt-1] O 

 Assessment factor applied in extrapolation to PNEC Terr 1000 [-] O 

 Equilibrium partitioning used for PNEC in soil? No O 

 Equilibrium partitioning used for PNEC in sediment? Yes O 

 PNECS FOR AQUATIC ORGANISMS, MICRO-ORGANISMS AND PREDATORS 

 PNEC for aquatic organisms 1.8 [mg.l-1] O 

 PNEC for aquatic organisms, intermittent releases 9.4 [mg.l-1] O 

 PNEC for micro-organisms in a STP >199 [mg.l-1] O 

 PNEC for secondary poisoning of birds and mammals 21 [mg.kg-1] O 

 PNEC for aquatic organisms with statistical method ?? [mg.l-1] O 

 PNECS FOR TERRESTRIAL AND SEDIMENT ORGANISMS 

 PNEC for terrestrial organisms 0.53 [mg.kgwwt-1] O 

 PNEC for terrestrial organisms with statistical method ?? [mg.kgwwt-1] O 

 PNEC for sediment-dwelling organisms 1.11 [mg.kgwwt-1] O 

 RISK CHARACTERIZATION 

 ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE 

 LOCAL 

 RISK CHARACTERIZATION OF [USE PATTERN 1] [PRODUCTION] 

 ENVIRONMENTAL 

 RCR for the local water compartment 5.21 [-] O 

 Intermittent release No D 

 RCR for the local soil compartment 0.0106 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the local sediment compartment 6.62 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the sewage treatment plant <0.471 [-] O 

 PREDATORS 

 RCR for fish-eating birds and mammals 0.259 [-] O 

 RCR for worm-eating birds and mammals 2.2E-04 [-] O 

 HUMANS 

 MOS local, total exposure via all media 264 [-] O 

 MOS local, exposure via air 7.58E+13 [-] O 

 RISK CHARACTERIZATION OF [USE PATTERN 1] [PROCESSING] 

 ENVIRONMENTAL 

 RCR for the local water compartment 0.171 [-] O 

 Intermittent release No D 

 RCR for the local soil compartment 3.49E-04 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the local sediment compartment 0.217 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the sewage treatment plant <0.0152 [-] O 

 PREDATORS 

 RCR for fish-eating birds and mammals 8.66E-03 [-] O 

 RCR for worm-eating birds and mammals 7.64E-06 [-] O 

 HUMANS 

 MOS local, total exposure via all media 8.04E+03 [-] O 

 MOS local, exposure via air 1.85E+15 [-] O 

 RISK CHARACTERIZATION OF [USE PATTERN 2] [FORMULATION] 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 139

 ENVIRONMENTAL 

 RCR for the local water compartment 1.04 [-] O 

 Intermittent release No D 

 RCR for the local soil compartment 3.07E-03 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the local sediment compartment 1.32 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the sewage treatment plant <0.0937 [-] O 

 PREDATORS 

 RCR for fish-eating birds and mammals 0.0519 [-] O 

 RCR for worm-eating birds and mammals 8.44E-05 [-] O 

 HUMANS 

 MOS local, total exposure via all media 867 [-] O 

 MOS local, exposure via air 1.38E+06 [-] O 

 RISK CHARACTERIZATION OF [USE PATTERN 3] [FORMULATION] 

 ENVIRONMENTAL 

 RCR for the local water compartment 0.188 [-] O 

 Intermittent release No D 

 RCR for the local soil compartment 5.54E-04 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the local sediment compartment 0.238 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the sewage treatment plant <0.0167 [-] O 

 PREDATORS 

 RCR for fish-eating birds and mammals 9.5E-03 [-] O 

 RCR for worm-eating birds and mammals 1.55E-05 [-] O 

 HUMANS 

 MOS local, total exposure via all media 4.81E+03 [-] O 

 MOS local, exposure via air 7.72E+06 [-] O 

 REGIONAL 

 ENVIRONMENT 

 RCR for the regional water compartment 2.34E-03 [-] O 

 RCR for the regional soil compartment 6.57E-06 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 RCR for the regional sediment compartment 2.28E-03 [-] O 

 Extra factor 10 applied to PEC No O 

 HUMANS 

 MOS regional, total exposure via all media 4.82E+05 [-] O 

 MOS regional, exposure via air 8.45E+15 [-] O 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

140 UNEP Publications 

FULL SIDS DOSSIER 

ON THE HPV PHASE 2 CHEMICAL 

MELAMINE

CAS No. 108-78-1 

Sponsor Country : Austria 

Last Revision Date: 26 February 1999 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 141

CONTENTS

SIDS PROFILE 

SIDS SUMMARY 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.01 Substance Information 

1.02 OECD Information 

1.03 SIDS Dossier Development and Contributors 

1.1 General Substance Information 

1.2 Synonyms 

1.3 Impurities 

1.4 Additives 

1.5 Quantity 

1.6.1 Labelling 

1.6.2 Classification 

1.7 Use Pattern 

1.8 Occupational Exposure Limit Values 

1.9 Sources of Exposure 

1.10 Additional Remarks 

2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA

2.1 Melting Point 

2.2 Boiling Point 

2.3 Density 

2.4 Vapour Pressure 

2.5 Partition Coefficient 

2.6 Water Solubility 

2.7 Flash Point 

2.8 Auto Flammability 

2.9 Flammability 

2.10 Explosive Properties 

2.11 Oxidizing Properties 

2.12 Oxidation reduction Potential 

2.13 Additional Remarks 

3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

3.1.1 Photodegradation 

3.1.2 Stability in Water 

3.1.3 Stability in Soil 

3.2 Monitoring Data (Environment) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

142 UNEP Publications 

3.3 Transport and Distribution between Environmental Compartments 

3.3.1 Transport 

3.3.2 Distribution 

3.4 Mode of Degradation in Actual Use 

3.5 Biodegradation 

3.6 BOD5, COD and BOD5/COD Ratio 

3.7 Bioaccumulation 

3.8 Additional Remarks 

4. ECOTOXICITY

4.1 Acute and Prolonged Toxicity to Fish 

4.2 Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates (e.g. Daphnia) 

4.3 Toxicity to Aquatic Plants (e.g. Algae) 

4.4 Toxicity to Microorganisms (e.g. Bacteria) 

4.5 Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms 

4.5.1 Chronic Toxicity to Fish 

4.5.2 Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates (e.g. Daphnia) 

4.6 Toxicity to Terrestrial Organisms 

4.6.1 Toxicity to Soil Dwelling Organisms 

4.6.2 Toxicity to Terrestrial Plants 

4.6.3 Toxicity to Other Non-mammalian Terrestrial Organisms 

4.7 Biological Effects Monitoring 

4.8 Biotransformation and Kinetics Excluding Mammals 

4.9 Additional Remarks 

5. TOXICITY

5.1 Acute Toxicity 

5.1.1 Acute Oral Toxicity 

5.1.2 Acute Inhalation Toxicity 

5.1.3 Acute Dermal Toxicity 

5.1.4 Acute Toxicity, Other Routes 

5.2 Corrosiveness and Irritation 

5.2.1 Skin Irritation 

5.2.2 Eye Irritation 

5.3 Sensitization 

5.4 Repeated Dose Toxicity 

5.4.1 Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity with Rats 

5.4.2 Repeated Dose Toxicity with Other Species or Other Routes 

5.5 Genetic Toxicity in vitro 

A. Bacterial Tests 

B. Non-Bacterial in vitro Tests 

5.6 Genetic Toxicity in vivo 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 143

5.7 Carcinogenicity 

5.8 Toxicity to Reproduction 

5.9 Developmental Toxicity/Teratogenicity 

5.10 Other Relevant Information 

A. Specific Toxicities 

B. Toxicodynamics, Toxicokinetics 

5.11 Experience with Human Exposure 

6. REFERENCES
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

144 UNEP Publications 

SIDS PROFILE 

DATE: 19 August 1998 

 1.01 A. CAS No. 108-78-1

 1.01 C. CHEMICAL NAME 

(OECD Name) 

1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine 

 1.01 D. CAS DESCRIPTOR s-Triazine; 4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2-imino- 

 1.01 E. EINECS No. 203-615-4.

 1.01 G. STRUCTURAL FORMULA N

N N

H2N NH2

NH2

 1.5 QUANTITY Worldwide production of ca. 600 000 t/a in 

1996.

Ca. 30 producers. 

 1.7 USE PATTERN The main use (ca. 97 %) of melamine is the 

production of melamine resins or other 

melamine compounds. Melamine resins and 

compounds are used e.g. in laminates, glues, 

adhesives, molding compounds, etc. 

Melamine itself is used as a flame retardant in 

polyurethan foams in UK (2.8 %) and possibly 

for some other minor applications (0.4 %) as e.g. 

in paints for fire protection.

 1.9 SOURCES AND LEVELS OF 

EXPOSURE 

0.4 kg nitrogen in the waste water per ton of 

melamine produced; 0.02 kg nitrogen after the 

waste water treatment plant. 

Emission to air: < 100 kg / a at the production 

site (ca. 40 000 t / a) and < 50 kg /a at the 

processing site. 

Concentrations monitored in rivers of Japan: 

 water: 0.0 - 0.0076 ppm, 

 bottom sediment: 0.0 - 0.32 ppm, 

 fish: 0.0 - 0.55 ppm. 

ISSUES FOR 

DISCUSSION 

SIDS testing has been required in 1993: 

A developmental toxicity / teratogenicity study has been performed according to the 

SIDS testing plan. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 145

SIDS SUMMARY 

 DATE: 19 August 1998 

CAS NO: 108-78-1

 STUDY Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N

 PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA 

 2.1 

 2.2 

 2.3 

 2.4 

 2.5 

 2.6 

2.12

Melting point 

Boiling point 

Density 

Vapour pressure 

Partition coefficient 

Water solubility 

pH and pKa values 

Oxidation: reduction potential 

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

/

N

N

Y

N

N

/

/

Y

/

Y

Y

/

Y

Y

/

N

/

N

N

N

N

N

/

Y

/

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

/

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

 OTHER P/C STUDIES RECEIVED Y 

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE and PATHWAY 

 3.1.1 

 3.1.2 

 3.2 

 3.3 

 3.5 

Photodegradation 

Stability in water 

Monitoring data 

Transport and distribution 

Biodegradation 

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

/

N

N

N

/

Y

/

Y

Y

Y

N

/

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

N

 OTHER ENV FATE STUDIES RECEIVED Y 

 ECOTOXICITY 

 4.1 

 4.2 

 4.3 

 4.5.2 

 4.6.1 

 4.6.2 

 4.6.3 

Acute toxicity to fish 

Acute toxicity to Daphnia 

Toxicity to algae 

Chronic toxicity to Daphnia 

Toxicity to soil dwelling organisms 

Toxicity to terrestrial plants 

Toxicity to birds 

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

N

N

N

/

N

/

/

/

Y

Y

Y

Y

/

Y

/

N

N

N

N

/

N

/

Y

Y

Y

Y

/

Y

/

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

 OTHER ECOTOXICITY STUDIES RECEIVED Y 

 TOXICITY 

 5.1.1 

 5.1.2 

 5.1.3 

 5.4 

 5.5 

 5.6 

 5.8 

 5.9 

 5.11 

Acute oral 

Acute inhalation 

Acute dermal 

Repeated dose 

Genetic toxicity in vitro

 Gene mutation 

 Chromosomal aberration 

Genetic toxicity in vivo

Reproduction toxicity 

Development / teratogenicity 

Human experience 

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

/

N

N

N

N

/

Y

N

/

Y/N

Y/N

Y/N

Y/N

/

Y

N

Y

Y

/

Y

Y

Y

Y

/

Y

Y

N

N

/

N

N

N

N

/

N

N

Y

Y

/

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

 OTHER TOXICITY STUDIES RECEIVED Y 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

146 UNEP Publications 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 

General reviews on melamine are found for example in ( 4 ) and ( 76 ). 

Reviews on the risk of melamine and / or compilation of the hazard are reported in ( 36 ), ( 45 ), ( 9 ), 

( 49 ), ( 105 ) and ( 47 ). 

1.01 Substance Information 

A. CAS number: 108-78-1 

B. Name (IUPAC): 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine (9CI) 

C. Name (OECD): 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine 

D. CAS Descriptor: s-Triazine; 4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2-iminoE. EINECS-Number: 203-615-4 

F. Molecular Formula: C3N6H6

G. Structural Formula: 

 

N

N N

H2N NH2

NH2

H. Substance Group (only for petroleum products): / 

I. Substance Remarks: /

J. Molecular Weight: 126.13 

1.02 OECD Information 

A. Sponsor Country Austria 

B. Lead Organisation

 Name: Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie. 

 Contact person: MR Mag. Heinrich Kohlmann 

 Address: 

 Street: Stubenbastei 5 

 Postal code: A-1010 

 Town: Vienna 

 Country: Austria 

 Tel: **43 1 515 22 2353 

 Fax: **43 1 515 22 7352 

 E-mail: heinrich.kohlmann@bmu.gv.at 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 147

C. Responder

 Name: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH 

 Address: 

 Street: St.-Peter-Straße 25 

 Postal code: A-4021 

 Town: Linz 

 Country: Austria 

 Tel: **43 732 6914 3602 

 Fax: **43 732 6914 2355 

1.03 SIDS Dossier Development and Contributors 

The SIDS Dossier was first presented at the SIDS Meeting on 23 September 1993. It was revised in 

1998 and the format proposed in the SIDS Manual of the OECD was adopted. 

Additional data were taken mainly from the IUCLID file on melamine ( 49 ). Data for the IUCLID 

file were supplied by: 

Agrolinz Melamin G.m.b.H. 

St. Peter-Str. 25 

A-4021 Linz 

Austria

Atochem 

92080 Paris la Defense 

France

BASF AG 

Karl-Bosch-Straße 

67056 Ludwigshafen 

Germany 

Casco Nobel AB 

Box 115 38 

100 61 STOCKHOLM 

Sweden 

Cassella AG 

Hanauer Landstraße 526 

60382 Frankfurt/Main 

Germany 

DSM Chemicals & Fertilizers BV,

(now: DSM Melamine) 

P.O. Box 43 

6130 AA Sittard 

Netherlands

Hoechst AG 

65903 Frankfurt/Main 

Germany 

Krems Chemie AG 

Hafenstraße 77 

3500 Krems 

Austria

SKW Trostberg 

Postfach 1262 

83303 Trostberg 

Germany 

Supplementary data were obtained from 

x BASF AG, Germany; DSM Melamine, Netherlands and Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria. 

x Contact Points of OECD member countries. 

x Open literature. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

148 UNEP Publications 

A further revision of the document was performed in January/February 1999 after presentation of the 

SIDS Initial Assessment Report to the 8th SIDS Initial Assessment Meeting of the OECD on 28 to 30 

October 1998. 

1.1 General Substance Information 

A. Type of Substance organic 

B. Physical State solid (at 20 °C and 101 300 Pa) 

C. Purity > 99.8 % - 99.9 % w/w (Agrolinz Melamine, Austria; 

BASF AG, Germany; DSM Melamine, Netherlands). 

1.2 Synonyms 

 1,3,5-Triazine, 2,4,6-triamine 

 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-triimine 

 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine (9CI) 

 2,4,6-Triamino - 1,3,5-Triazine 

 2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazin 

 2,4,6-Triamino-s-triazine 

 2,4,6-Triaminotriazine 

 Cyanuramide 

 Cyanuric Triamide 

 Cyanurotriamide 

 Cyanurotriamine 

 Cyanurtriamine 

 Isomelamine 

 Melamin 

 Melamine (8CI) 

 s-Triaminotriazine 

 s-Triazine, 4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2-imino- (6CI) 

 s-Triazinetriamine 

 Triaminotriazine 

1.3 Impurities 

Impurities: Melem: max. 0.06 % 

 Ash: max. 0.01 % 

Source: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria 

Impurities Ammelin, ammelid, cyanuric acid: < 0.1 % 

Source: ( 36 ) 

1.4 Additives 

 No additives are used. 

Source: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria 

1.5 Quantity 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 149

Quantity: Worldwide consumption of ca. 600 000 t/a in 1996. 

Ca. 30 producers wordwide. 

Production capacity 1997: 

 Europe + Middle East 306 000 t/a 

 Asia 297 000 t/a 

 Americas 118 000 t/a 

 Demand 1996: 

 Europe + Middle East + Africa 285 000 t/a 

 Asia + Pacific 220 000 t/a 

 Americas 95 000 t/a 

Source: ( 53 ) 

Quantity: Worldwide production of ca. 600 000 t/a in 1997. 

180 000 t / a by DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

Quantity: USA production and export: 112 000 t. 

Source: OECD contact point in the USA, 1998. 

Quantity: Production of 40 000 t/a by BASF. 

Source: BASF AG, Germany. 

Quantity: Production of 50 000 t/a at Agrolinz Melamin. 

Source: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria, 1996. 

Quantity: Worldwide production of ca. 550 000 t/a in 1990/91. 

Ca. 18 producers wordwide. 

Production capacity 1990/91: 

 Western Europe 230 000 t/a 

 Eastern Europe 50 000 t/a 

 America 97 000 t/a 

 Middle and far East 175 000 t/a 

Source: ( 4 ) 

1.6.1 Labelling 

No labelling is required according to Directive 67/548/EEC. 

1.6.2 Classification 

No classification is required according to Directive 67/548/EEC. 

Water pollution (German Law) 

Class of danger: 1 (weakly water polluting) 

Source: BASF AG Ludwigshafen; SKW Trostberg Trostberg; Hoechst AG 

Frankfurt/Main; Cassella AG Frankfurt/Main, Germany. 

Air pollution (German Law) 

Number: 3.1.7 (organic substances) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

150 UNEP Publications 

Class of danger: III 

Source: SKW Trostberg; BASF AG Ludwigshafen 

1.7 Use Pattern 

Main categories according to the HEDSET: 

a) Main category Ic (Substance produced in closed systems; isolated intermediate, stored off 

site):

 Melamine is continuously produced in closed systems. Melamine is an isolated intermediate 

with controlled transport to processing sites. 

b) Main category Ic (Substance processed in closed systems): 

 Melamine is processed in closed systems in the chemical industry to produce melamine 

compounds, mainly melamine resins. This is the predominant (ca. 97 %) use of melamine. 

 In Germany > 99.5 % are processed to resins ( 4 ). 

 Melamine resins or other melamine compounds are used in laminates (e.g. for tabletops), 

glues, adhesives, moulding compounds, coatings, paper (to obtain wet strength), textiles (to 

obtain shrink resistance, water repellence, stain repellence, fire retardance), flame retardants 

or superplastizers for concrete. 

 An estimation of the applications, in percent, by region is given by ( 53 ): 

 Application Europe, Americas Asia- World 

 Africa, Pacific 

 Middle East 

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Laminates 53 45 14 38 

 Glues, adhesives 24 5 50 30 

 Moulding compounds 6 7 18 10 

 Coatings 7 22 11 11 

 Paper and textiles resins, 

superplasticizers for concrete, flame 

retardants for polyurethane foam 10 21 7 11 

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c) Main category II (Inclusion into a matrix). 

 Melamine itself is used as a flame retardant in polyurethan foams in UK (ca. 7 000 t/a, i.e. 

2.8 % of the European market) and possibly for some other minor applications (ca. 1 000 t/a, 

i.e. 0.4 % of the European market) as e.g. in paints for fire protection. Melamine is included 

into a polymer matrix in these cases. 

d) Other earlier reported uses (e.g. use as a fertilizer) have not gained importance or are of no 

importance nowadays. 

Industrial category: 

a) Category 3: Chemical industry: chemicals used in synthesis. 

b) Category 3: Chemical industry: chemicals used in synthesis. 

c) Mainly Category 11: Polymers industry. 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 151

Use categories:

a) Category 33: Intermediate. 

b) Category 33: Intermediate. 

c) Category 22: Flame retardants and fire preventing agents. 

References OECD contact points; ( 36 ), ( 4 ), ( 49 ), ( 76 ); melamine producers. 

1.8 Occupational Exposure Limit Values 

Type of limit: MAC (NL) 

Limit value: 10 mg/m3

Remark: MAC (NL) not indicated ; use nuisance dust limit. 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

Type of limit: MAK (DE) 

Limit value: / 

Remark: No MAK value (occupational exposure limit) is agreed on melamine. 

Source: ( 131 ) 

Type of limit: TLV (US) 

Limit value: 10 mg/m3

Remark: provisionally by manufacturer; TLV according to nontoxic nuisance dust 

TLV.

Source: ( 44 ) 

1.9 Sources of Exposure 

Remarks: Waste water (220 m3

 / d) of a melamine production plant contained 4 g 

melamine / l, that is a release of ca. 300 t melamine per year (data of 1997). 

 Production capacity: ca. 50 000 t / a. 

 The emission with waste air leaving the same production plant was 41 kg / a. 

A diffuse emission within the plant during filling operations, manipulation or 

cleaning is estimated to 1 t melamine / a. 

 Melamine containing solid wastes are further processed or incinerated. 

 Shift workers are not exposed to melamine during routine production. Workers 

engaged in cleaning or filling or emergency operations may be exposed over 

some hours per week. 

Source Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria, 1998. 

Remark: A dust loading in the working area of 1.14 mg/m3

 was determined in a 

processing plant at 36 °C and a wind speed of 4.2 m/s. 

Source Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria 

Remark: Emission to air: < 100 kg/a at the production site (ca. 40 000 t/a) and < 50 kg/a 

at the processing site. 

Source: BASF AG, Germany. 

Remark: Discharge into atmosphere during manufacturing and further processing of the 

melamine produced in West Germany in 1989 is estimated at 850 kg, and into 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

152 UNEP Publications 

waste water treatment plant of BASF AG, at 6 to 7 t. The contaminated residue 

(50 to 60 t/a) from production is landfilled as hazardous waste. 

Source: ( 36 ) 

Remark: Routes of exposure: 

- via melamine-dust in handling and storage. 

- contact with process streams with dissolved melamine/crystals. 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

Remark: 0.4 kg N is is released into the waste water per ton of melamine produced. < 

0.02 kg Kj-nitrogen and 0 kg NO3-nitrogen is released to the receiving river 

after degradation in the WWTP. 

 Production capacity of 180 000 t/a. 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

Remark: Fluidized bed reactor. Catalytic reaction : Al2O3 as catalyst. After reaction, 

melamin is obtained under gaseous form. Cristallization occurs at 170-180 

°C.

 Protective measures: gloves, goggles, glasses and anti-NH3 masks. 

Source: Atochem, Paris. 

Remark: There are ca. 43 000 employees at 2130 facilities that may be exposed to 

melamine (or melamine resins). 

Source: OECD contact point in the USA. 

1.10 Additional Remarks 

Remark: Transport not restricted. Disposal according to local legislation. 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA

2.1 Melting Point 

Value: ca. 354 °C 

Decomposition: at > 280 °C formation of NH3.

Source: Agrolinz Melamin, Austria; DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

Value: ca. 350 degree C 

Decomposition: yes 

Sublimation: yes 

Source: ( 33 ) 

Value: / 

Decomposition: yes 

Remark: Dangerous decomposition products: NH3 will be split off at > 300 °C and 

possibly HCN at > 600 °C which burns in the open flame. 

Source: ( 33 ) 

Value: 345 °C 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 153

Decomposition: yes 

Source: ( 96 ) 

2.2 Boiling Point 

Value: / 

Sublimation: yes 

Source: ( 96 ) 

2.3 Density 

Type: density 

Value: 1.574 g/cm3

 at 20 °C 

Source: ( 33 ) 

Type: bulk density 

Value: ca. 300 - 600 kg/m3

Method: DIN 53 468 

Source: ( 33 ) 

2.4 Vapour Pressure 

Value: 4.7 x 10-8 Pa at 20 °C. 

Method: Dynamic method with N2 or NH3 at 144 to 341 °C.

Extrapolation to 20 °C. 

Result: log P(mm Hg) = 12.52 - [6440 / T(K)]. 

This is now transformed to log P(Pa) = 14.644 - [6440 / T(K)]. 

Year: 1960. 

Remark: ( 4 ) presents another equation, also based on the same results of ( 67 ): 

 log P(105

 Pa) = 9.7334 - [6484.9 / T(K)]. 

A vapour pressure of 4.1 x 10-8 Pa at 20 °C is calculated from this equation. 

Source: ( 67 ) 

Value: 50 mm Hg at 315 °C 

Remark: This value is in agreement with the determinations made by ( 67 ). They found 

ca. 31 mm Hg at ca. 310 °C. 

Source: ( 96 ) 

2.5 Partition Coefficient 

log Pow: -1.14 at 25 degree C 

Method: OECD Guideline 107 "Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water), Flask-shaking 

Method"

Year: 1988. GLP: 

Test substance: 99.9 %. 

Source: ( 30 ) 

2.6 Water Solubility 

Value: 3.2 g/l at 20 °C 

pH: 7 - 8 at 3.2 g/l and 20 °C 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

154 UNEP Publications 

Source: ( 33 ) 

Value: 3 g/l at 20 °C 

pH: typically 8.4 to 8.9 at 20 °C 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands 

Value: < 1 g/l at 22 °C 

Source: ( 96 ). 

Value: / 

Remark: The solubility L (in g / 100 g water) over the range of 20 - 100 °C is given by 

the equation: log L = 5.101 - 1642 / T. 

 L = 0.31 g / 100 ml (or 3.1 g/l) is calculated for 20 °C. 

Year: 1943 

Source: ( 37 ) cited in ( 4 ). 

Ion formation: 

Results: Melamine is a weak base. The basic ionisation constant Kb1 = 1 x 10-9 to 2.2 x 

10-9 depending on the method used. The molecule is neutral in the pH range 6 

to 13, it is simple protonated in the range 1 to 4 (another reported range is: 0.3 

to 3). 

Source: ( 57 ) 

2.7 Flash Point 

Not applicable as melamine is a solid. 

2.8 Auto Flammability 

Result: > 300 °C. 

Source: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria. 

Remark: Ignition temperature: > 600 °C 

Source: ( 33 ) 

2.9 Flammability 

Result: non flammable 

Method: Directive 84/449/EEC, A.10 "Flammability (solids)" 

Year: 1987 

Source: ( 33 ) 

2.10 Explosive Properties 

Result: not explosive 

Method: Sprengstoffgesetz (German law on explosives) 

Year: 1974 

Source: ( 29 ) 

Result: Weakly explosible - dust explosion class VDI 3673 St 1. 

Method: VDI 3673 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 155

Year: 1990 

Source: ( 43 ) 

Result: Weakly explosible - dust explosion class 1. 

Method: VDI 3673 ISO 

Year: 1989 

Source: ( 109 ) 

2.11 Oxidizing Properties 

Result: no oxidizing properties 

Source: ( 29 ) 

2.12 Oxidation reduction Potential 

/.

2.13 Additional Remarks 

Several thermodynamic data can be found in ( 4 ). 

Solubility in other solvents: 

 DMSO 5-10 g/l, 22 °C 

 95 % Ethanol < 1 g/l, 22 °C 

 Methanol < 1 g/l, 19 °C 

 Acetone < 1 g/l, 22 °C 

 Toluene < 1 g/l, 20 °C 

 Benzene insoluble 

 Ether insoluble 

Source: ( 96 ) 

3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

3.1.1 Photodegradation 

Light spect. 235 nm 

Method: other (measured) 

Year: GLP: 

Remark: Exctinction coefficient: 0.249 x 104

 l/mol.cm; no absorption at > 310 nm. 

Source: ( 119 ) 

3.1.2 Stability in Water 

Result: Melamine is hydrolysed in strong alkaline and acidic solutions. The rate 

constants at 100 °C are: k(s-1) = 3.80 x 10-

6 [OH-] respectively k(s-1) = 1.25 x 

10-4 [H+].

Remarks: No data for relevant environmental conditions are available. 

Source: ( 57 ) 

3.1.3 Stability in Soil 

Method: other 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

156 UNEP Publications 

Year: GLP: 

Remark: Melamine is adsorbed to the soil only to a minor extent (soil adsorption 

coefficient = 53). It is degraded with a half life time of 2 - 3 years. 

Year: 1983. GLP: 

Source: ( 45 ) 

Type: Degradation in soil. 

Degradation: 

Test condition: 2 soils, moderately aerated, 60% field capacity moisture, up to 28 weeks 

incubation at 32 °C. 

Year: 1964. GLP: 

Remark: 0 to 17.9 % triazine N nitrified in 6 - 24 weeks depending on the soil. 

Source: ( 59 ) 

3.2 Monitoring Data (Environment) 

Remark: Concentrations were monitored in rivers of Japan. The production volume in 

Japan was 80 000 t in 1987. 

Results 1986: Samples of water and sediment were taken at 10 different areas (mouth of 

rivers, channel, bays). Melamine was detected in 7 areas. Detected range in 

water: 0.0001-0.0016 ppm; detection limit: 0.0001 ppm. Detected range in 

bottom sediment: 0.088-0.13 ppm; detection limit: 0.07 ppm. 

Results 1987: Samples of water, sediment and fish were taken at 50 different areas. Melamine 

was detected in 89/150 water samples in 33/50 areas; in 36/117 samples of 

bottom sediment in 18/40 areas and in 13/144 fish samples in 3/45 areas. 

Detected range in water: 0.0001-0.0076 ppm; detection limit: 0.0001 ppm. 

Detected range in bottom sediment: 0.01-0.32 ppm; detection limit: 0.01 ppm. 

Detected range in fish: 0.06-0.55 ppm; detection limit: 0.05 ppm. 

 

 High concentrations in the bottom sediment occured only in 2 samples from 1 

area. Fish from lakes and marshes had the highest concentration. 

Results 1988: Samples of fish were taken at 2 different areas. Melamine was detected in 9/12 

fish samples in 1/2 areas. Detected range in fish: 0.09-0.23 ppm; detection 

limit: 0.05 ppm. 

Results 1994: Samples of water, sediment and fish were taken. Melamine was detected in 

43/150 water samples; in 29/160 samples of bottom sediment and in 12/148 

fish samples. 

 

 Detected range in water: 0.00011-0.0064 ppm; detection limit: 0.00011 ppm. 

Detected range in bottom sediment: 0.015-0.40 ppm; detection limit: 0.015 

ppm. Detected range in fish: 0.02-0.075 ppm; detection limit: 0.02 ppm. 

Year: 1986-1994. 

Reference: ( 12 ), ( 13 ), ( 100 ). 

3.3 Transport and Distribution between Environmental Compartments 

3.3.1 Transport 

Type: Adsorption to soil 

Result: Koc = 14.4 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 157

Method: calculated using the equation logKoc = 0.30 logKow + 1.50 given for triazines 

in ( 50 ) 

Remark: Prefered data, because estimation is based on Pow (and not water solubility) 

and on a specific equation for this type of molecule. 

Type: Adsorption to soil 

Remark: Koc = 53 at 3000 mg / l. The result is estimated from water solubility. 

Source: ( 45 ) 

Type: Adsorption to soil 

Remark: Calculated Koc = 51 

Source: ( 124 ) 

Type: volatility 

Method: other 

Year: 1988. 

Remark: Henry-Constant =1.84 x 10-14 atm.m3

/mol = 1.8 x 10-9 Pa.m3.mol-1 at 20 °C. 

Source: ( 124 ) 

3.3.2 Distribution 

Method: Generic fugacity model, level 1. FUGMOD, Version 1.0, OECD 1992. 

Results: to air 0.000 000 04 % 

 to water 99.99 % 

 to soil solids 0.006 % 

 to sediment solids 0.000 1 % 

 to suspended sediment 0.000 004 % 

 to biota 0.000 000 4 % 

3.4 Mode of Degradation in Actual Use 

Degradation: Activated sludge of the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) of a melamine 

producer can rapidly degrade melamine. No melamine is detected anymore 

after 8 hours. 

 (No degradation was obtained with activated sludge of a community WWTP 

within 1 month.) 

Method: ISO 7827:1984, but determination of melamine and not of the DOC. 

Year: 1997. GLP: no. 

Source: ( 54 ) 

Type: Measurement in the waste water treatment plant of a melamine production 

plant.

Degradation: 80 to 90 % melamine is broken down. 

Source: DSM Melamine, Netherlands. 

3.5 Biodegradation 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge 

Concentration: 400 mg DOC/l 

Degradation: 16 % after 20 day 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

158 UNEP Publications 

Method: Zahn-Wellens test, OECD 302B of 1981. 

Remark: The test was repeated with adapted inoculum. Result: elimination of 10 % after 

14 days. Not easily degradable. 

Year: 1991. GLP: 

Source: ( 31 ) 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge 

Concentration: 100 mg DOC/l 

Degradation: 0 % after 28 day 

Method: Zahn-Wellens test, OECD 302B. 

Year: 1993. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 32 ) 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge 

Concentration: 100 mg melamine/l. 

Degradation: 0 % after 14 day 

Method: BOD. Concentration of sludge: 30 mg/l. 

Year: < 1992. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: The study is probably identical with the next entry ( 120 ) 

Source: ( 2 ) 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge 

Degradation: < 30 % after 14 day 

Method: other: ORIGINAL-MITI-Test, Biodegradability and Bioaccumulation Test of 

Chemical Substances (C-5/98/JAP) 1978. 

Year: 1978 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 100 ppm test substance / 30 ppm sludge. BOD of the ThOD. Substance specific 

and unspecific chemical analyses. 

Source: ( 120 ) 

Type:

Inoculum: other bacteria: Pseudomonas sp. (various strains) 

Degradation: 

Method:

Year: 1981, 1982 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Melamine is degraded by Pseudomonas sp. (various strains) by desamination to 

cyanuric acid. 

Source: ( 40 ), ( 75 ) 

3.6 BOD5, COD and BOD5/COD Ratio 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: 

Degradation: 0 % 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 159

Method:

Year: 1955 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: BOD5 = 0% BODTh at 20 deg C; no degradation. 

Source: ( 66 ) 

Type:

Inoculum: other bacteria: adapted inoculum 

Degradation: < 1 % after 5 day 

Method: BSB-Test (BOD of the ThOD). 

Year: 1987 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: In addition: BOD5 of the ThOD = 1 % (inoculum is unknown). BOD5 of the 

ThOD = 0 % with adapted inoculum. 

Source: ( 94 ) 

Type:

Inoculum: sewage effluent 

Degradation: practically no BOD in 5 days. 

Method: 

Year: 1950 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 

Source: ( 126 ) 

3.7 Bioaccumulation 

Species: Cyprinus carpio 

Exposure period: 42 days at 25 °C 

Concentration: 0.2 and 2 mg/l 

BCF: < 0.38 for 2 mg/l and < 3.8 for 0.2 mg/l. 

Elimination: 

Method: OECD 305C, Bioaccumalation: test for the degree of bioconcentration in fish. 

Year: < 1992 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 2 ) 

Species: / 

Exposure period: 

Concentration:

BCF: ca. 15 

Elimination: 

Method: calculated according to Chiou,C.T. et al., Environ. Science & Technol. 11(5), 

475-478, (1977). 

Year: GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: No remarkable bioaccumulation is expected from the log Pow of -1.14 and the 

calculted BCF. 

Source: ( 45 ) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

160 UNEP Publications 

3.8 Additional Remarks 

/

4. ECOTOXICITY

4.1 Acute and Prolonged Toxicity to Fish 

Type:

Species: Leuciscus idus melanotus (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

LC50: > 500 

Method: DIN 38 412 L-20. 

Year: 1989. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 42 ) 

Type:

Species: Oryzias latipes (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

LC50: 1000 

Method: Modified MITI Test (II) stipulated in the OECD guidelines. 

Year: < 1992. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 2 ) 

Type:

Species: Poecilia reticulata (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

LC50: > 3000 

Method:

Year: 1991. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 93 ) 

Type:

Species: Poecilia reticulata (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

Method:

Year: 1978. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 4400 mg/l were lethal to < 10 % of the animals. 

Source: ( 73 ) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 161

4.2 Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates (e.g. Daphnia) 

Species: Daphnia magna (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

EC50: > 2000 

Method: Acute toxicity test. 

Year: 1978. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 1 ) 

4.3 Toxicity to Aquatic Plants (e.g. Algae) 

Species: Scenedesmus pannonicus (Algae) 

Endpoint: growth 

Exposure period: 4 day 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

NOEC: 320 

EC50: 940 

Method: Growth inhibition test. 

Year: 1982 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 17 ) 

4.4 Toxicity to Microorganisms (e.g. Bacteria) 

Type: Inhibition of activated sludge 

Exposure period: 30 min 

Unit: mg/l 

EC0: > 1992 

Method: OECD 209; EC88/302, ISO 8192. Test for Inhibition of Oxygen Consumption 

by Activated Sludge. 

Year: 1991 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 31 ) 

Type:

Species: Nitrosomonas sp. (Bacteria) 

Exposure period: 2 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

EC0: > 100 

Method: Inhibition of the ammonium oxidation. 

Year: 1977 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 68 ) 

Type:

Species: Pseudomonas putida (Bacteria) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

162 UNEP Publications 

Exposure period: 30 minutes 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

EC10: > 10000 

EC50: > 10000 

Method: Pseudomonas respiration inhibition test, DIN 38412, Part 27, draft. 

Year: 1990 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 34 ) 

4.5 Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms 

4.5.1 Chronic Toxicity to Fish 

Species: Jordanella floridae (Fish, fresh water) 

Endpoint: Egg-larval development, hatchability, toxicity to fish larvae until 28 days after 

hatching.

Exposure period: 35 day 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

NOEC: t 1000 

Method: 

Year: 1982 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 23 ) 

Species: Salmo gairdneri 

Endpoint: Larval and post-larval development. 

Exposure period: 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

NOECmacroscop.: 500 

NOECmicroscop.: < 125 

Method: Flow through system. Histological examination of the embryos. 

Year: 1982 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Results: Histological examination of hatching embryos exposed at 125 mg/l revealed 

increased alterations in the epidermis, pronephros and neural tube. 

Malformations were macroscopically visible at 1030 mg/l. 

Source: ( 110 ) 

4.5.2 Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates (e.g. Daphnia) 

Species: Daphnia magna 

Endpoint: Mortality, reproduction. 

Exposure period: 21 day 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical monitoring: 

NOEC: 18 

LC100 : 56 

Method: Chronic toxicity and reproduction test 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 163

Year: 1978 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 32 mg/l < LC5021d < 56 mg/l. 

No effect to reproduction (tested up to 32 mg/l). 

Source: ( 1 ) 

4.6 Toxicity to Terrestrial Organisms 

4.6.1 Toxicity to Soil Dwelling Organisms 

/

4.6.2 Toxicity to Terrestrial Plants 

Species: Hordeum vulgare 

Endpoint: growth 

Exposure period: 4 day 

Unit: mg/l 

EC50: 530 

Method:

Year: 1992 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Root growth reduction, melamine in soil percolate. 

Source: ( 77 ) 

Species: Tritium aestivum (Monocotyledon) 

Endpoint: growth 

Exposure period: 4 day 

Unit: mg/l 

EC50: 900 

Method:

Year: 1992 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Root growth reduction, melamine in soil percolate. 

Source: ( 77 ) 

Species: Raphanus sativus (Dicotyledon) 

Endpoint: growth 

Exposure period: 4 day 

Unit: mg/l 

EC50: 930 

Method:

Year: 1992 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Root growth reduction, melamine in soil percolate. 

Source: ( 77 ) 

Species: Lepidum sativum (Dicotyledon) 

Endpoint: growth 

Exposure period: 4 day 

Unit: mg/l 

EC50: 1100 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

164 UNEP Publications 

Method:

Year: 1992 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Root growth reduction, melamine in soil percolate. 

Source: ( 77 ) 

Species: other terrestrial plant: Pisum sativum/Phaseolus vulgaris 

Endpoint: growth, germination 

Exposure period: 14 day 

Unit: ppm 

NOEC: 1680 

Method:

Year: 1992 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 74 ) 

4.6.3 Toxicity to Other Non-mammalian Terrestrial Organisms 

/

4.7 Biological Effects Monitoring 

/

4.8 Biotransformation and Kinetics Excluding Mammals 

/

4.9 Additional Remarks 

/

5. TOXICITY

5.1 Acute Toxicity 

5.1.1 Acute Oral Toxicity 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat, F344 

Value: males: 3161 mg/kg bw 

females: 3828 mg/kg bw 

Method:

Year: 1983. GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: 

Remark: gavage, corn oil as vehicle. 

Source: ( 11 ) 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse, B6C3F1 

Value: males: 3296 mg/kg bw 

females: 7014 mg/kg bw 

Method:

Year: 1983. GLP: NTP-Standard 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 165

Test substance: 

Remark: gavage, corn oil as vehicle. 

Source: ( 11 ) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat 

Value: > 6400 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: BASF-test 

Year: 1969. GLP: no 

Test substance:

Remark: suspension in traganth. 

Source: ( 29 ) 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse 

Value: 4550 mg/kg bw 

Method:

Year: 1955. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 25 ) 

5.1.2 Acute Inhalation Toxicity 

Type: Inhalation risk test 

Species: rat 

Exposure time: 8 hours 

Value:

Method: BASF-test 

Year: 1969. GLP: no 

Test substance:

Remark: Inhalation of saturated vapour (20 °C) killed 0/12 rats. 

Source: ( 29 ) 

Type: LC50 

Species: rat 

Exposure time: 

Value: 3.248 mg/l 

Method: no data 

Year: 1993. GLP: no data 

Source: ( 132 ) 

5.1.3 Acute Dermal Toxicity 

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit 

Route of admin.: dermal 

Value: > 1000 mg/kg bw 

Method:

Year: < 1990. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 21 ) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

166 UNEP Publications 

5.1.4 Acute Toxicity, Other Routes 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Value: = 112 mg/kg bw 

Method:

Year: 1977. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 118 ) 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Value: = 800 mg/kg bw 

Method: BASF-test 

Year: 1969. GLP: no 

Test substance:

Source: ( 29 ) 

5.2 Corrosiveness and Irritation 

5.2.1 Skin Irritation 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritant 

Method: OECD No. 404. 

Year: 1995. GLP: yes. 

Source: ( 112 ) 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritating 

Method: BASF-Test 

Year: 1969. GLP: no 

Source: ( 29 ) 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritating 

Year: 1955. GLP: 

Remark: 1 g aqueous paste / kg bw and also 0.1 g of a 4 % aqueous solution / kg bw, 

occlusive, 18 h. 

Source: ( 25 ) 

Species: guinea pig 

Result: not irritating 

Year: GLP: 

Test substance: 1% melamine solution in water 

Source: ( 51 ) 

5.2.2 Eye Irritation 

Species: rabbit 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 167

Result: not irritating 

Method: BASF-Test 

Year: 1969. GLP: no 

Source: ( 29 ) 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritating 

Year: 1955. GLP: 

Remark: 0.05 ml of a 10 % suspension were dosed. 

Source: ( 25 ) 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritating 

Year: 1955. GLP: 

Remark: 30 mg dry powder were dosed; observed effects were characterized as mild. 

Source: ( 25 ) 

5.3 Sensitization 

Type: Patch-Test 

Species: human 

Result: not sensitizing 

Classification: 

Method:

Year: 1955. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 25 ) 

Type:

Species: guinea pig 

Result: not sensitizing 

Classification: 

Method:

Year: < 1963 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: not a sensitizer; original source not available. 

Source: ( 51 ) 

5.4 Repeated Dose Toxicity 

5.4.1 Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity with Rats 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 14 days 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 5000; 10000; 15000; 20000; 30000 ppm (417-2500 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

168 UNEP Publications 

NOAEL: 5000 ppm 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Remark: NOEL: 5000 ppm (m); 10000 ppm (f) 

Result: All animals survived to the end of the dosing period. All female and male rats 

receiving 15000 ppm and more had mean body weight gain depressions when 

compared to the controls. Male and female rats receiving 20000 or 30000 

ppm melamine lost weight. Hard crystalline solids were found in the urinary 

bladder of 4/5 to 5/5 male rats in groups fed 10000 ppm or more and 4/5 

female rats in groups fed 20000 ppm or more. The kidneys of 2 males in the 

high dose group were pale and pitted. Apart from urinary tract no compoundrelated effects were observed in other organs. 

Source: ( 97 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 28 days 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: 

Doses: 480 to 4280 ppm (corresponding doses: up to 357 mg/kg) 

Control Group: 

Method: 

Year: 1984 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: Incidence and size of bladder stones were directly related to the amount of 

substance administered. The larger stones were found to be unchanged 

melamine in a matrix of protein, uric acid and phosphate. 

Remark: Only a very short summary is cited. 

Source: ( 24 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 4 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 2000; 4000; 7000; 10000; 13000; 16000; 19000 ppm (corresponding dose: 

133 - 1267 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

NOAEL: 2000 ppm for calculi formation. 

Method:

Year: 1982. 

GLP: yes 

Test substance: 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 169

Result: The study was conducted in order to evaluate urolithiasis induction by 

melamine. In-life observations indicated a significant dose-related depression 

in body weight gain, elevated water intake and altered food consumption 

pattern. In addition, melamine produced a dose-dependent incidence of 

urinary bladder calculi and urinary bladder hyperplasia. All animals (40 per 

group) with hyperplasia, except one, had calculi. Spectroscopic analysis of 

stones indicated the presence of melamine, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium and 

chloride. Urinalysis demonstrated dose-dependent trends to aciduria and 

crystalluria. A second part of the report describes in detail analysis of plasma, 

urine and calculi. 

Source: ( 19 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 750; 1500; 3000; 6000; 12000 ppm (63 - 1000 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

NOEL: d 63 mg/kg bw 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Result: Body weight gain was depressed in males receiving 6000 and 12000 ppm but 

not in females. Food consumption was not affected. Urinary bladder stones 

occurred in all the treated male rats in a dose-related manner (control: 1/10; 

750 ppm: 2/10; 12000 ppm: 9/9). Hyperplastic epithelial changes were only 

found in males. Dose-related calcerous deposits were observed in the 

proximal tubules in the kidney of female rats. 

Source: ( 11 ), ( 97 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 6000; 9000; 12000; 15000; 18000 ppm; (corresponding daily intake: ca. 500-

1500 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Result: One male rat receiving 18000 ppm and two males receiving 6000 ppm died. 

Body weight gain was depressed in males and females receiving 12000 ppm 

or more. Food consumption was reduced in the high dose group. Urinary 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

170 UNEP Publications 

bladder stones occurred in males of all treated groups (dose-related) and in 

female rats of the two highest dose groups. Histopathology was performed in 

the high and low dose group. Diffuse epithelial hyperplasia of the urinary 

bladder was found in 8/10 males and 2/10 females in the 18000 ppm group. 

Only 1/10 males receiving 6000 ppm had hyperplastic changes of the urinary 

bladder.

Source: ( 11 ), ( 97 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 10000; 18000 ppm (corresponding doses 833; 1500 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method: Ammonium chloride was added to the drinking water in some groups to 

investigate if such treatment might affect the incidence of stone formation in 

the urinary tract. 

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance:

Result: There was no difference between groups receiving melamine with or without 

ammonium chloride. 

Source: ( 97 ) 

5.4.2 Repeated Dose Toxicity with Other Species or Other Routes 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Wistar 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Exposure period: 5 days 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Post. obs. period: 

Doses: 500 mg/kg 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1950. 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: There was a moderate weight loss. In two animals crystalline deposits were 

found in renal tubules. The toxic effects of several S-Triazines with NitrogenMustard like action were compared to the effects of melamine. Melamine did 

not induce Nitrogen-Mustard like actions on peripheral blood or bone 

marrow. No intestinal lesions could be found in animals treated with 

melamine. Also mice tolerated five successive daily doses of melamine (500 

mg/kg; i.p.). No further results are presented. 

Source: ( 108 ) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 171

Species: mouse 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 14 days 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 5000; 7500; 10000; 12500; 15000; 30000 ppm (1000-6000 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

NOAEL: 15000 ppm 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Result: 2/5 female and all the male mice in the high dose group had urinary bladder 

stones. No other compound-related effects were noted. 

Source: ( 97 ) 

Species: mouse 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 6000; 9000; 12000; 15000; 18000 ppm; (m: 1600-4800; f: 2400-7200 mg/kg 

bw.day)

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

NOEL: 6000 ppm. 

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Result: Mean body weights were lower in treated animals compared to controls. 

However the effects were not dose-related. The incidence of mice bearing 

bladder stones (occurred in all treated groups) appeared to be dose-related. 

Ulceration of the urinary bladder was observed in males fed diets containing 

9000 ppm or higher and in females fed 15000 ppm or higher. Epithelial 

hyperplasia or atypical epithelial cells were seen in the males of the high dose 

and 9000 ppm group respectivly. Sixty per cent of the mice having bladder 

ulcers had urinary bladder stones as well. One female mouse receiving 9000 

ppm died. 

Source: ( 11 ), ( 97 ) 

Species: rabbit 

Sex: male 

Strain: 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: one to four weeks 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Post. obs. period: 
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Doses: 1 mM/kg (126 mg/kg) 

Control Group: 

Method:

Year: 1945. 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: There were no clinical, pathological or histological findings. Conduction and 

reporting of the study is insufficient compared to current standards. 

Source: ( 80 ) 

Species: dog 

Sex: female 

Strain: 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: one to four weeks 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Post. obs. period: 

Doses: 1 mM/kg (126 mg/kg) 

Control Group: 

Method:

Year: 1945. 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: No signs of toxicity or gross and microscopical changes were seen. 

Conduction and reporting of the experiment is insufficient compared to 

current standards. 

Source: ( 80 ) 

Species: dog 

Sex:

Strain: 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 1 year 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: 

Doses: 30000 ppm (corresponding dose: 1200 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1955 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: Apart from crystalluria which started after 60 to 90 days and persisted during 

the study period no other effects attributable to melamine feeding were 

observed.

Source: ( 25 ) 

5.5 Genetic Toxicity in vitro 

A. Bacterial Tests 

Type: Ames test 
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System of testing: Salmonella typhimurium, TA100, TA98, TA97 and TA102. 

Concentration: up to 5000 Pg/plate

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method: Matsushima T. et al., Short term test systems for detecting carcinogens, 

Springer Verlag, 1980. 

Year: 1991. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 

Source: ( 70 ) 

Type: Ames test 

System of testing: Salmonella typhimurium, TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1538. 

Concentration: 

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method: 

Year: 1991. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Comparison of mutagenic properties of 17 S-Triazine Compounds in 

Salmonella. Only triethylenemelamine (TEM) was active. 

Source: ( 84 ) 

Type: Ames test 

System of testing: Salmonella typhimurium; TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537. 

Concentration: up to 1111 Pg/plate

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1983. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 60 ) 

Type: Ames test 

System of testing: Salmonella typhimurium; TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538. 

Concentration: 50 - 5000 Pg/plate

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 mix 

Result: negative 

Year: 1981. GLP: yes 

Test substance: 

Remark: plate incorporation assay 

Source: ( 26 ) 

Type: Ames test 

System of testing: Salmonella typhimurium; TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538. 

Concentration: 0.1 - 500 Pg/plate

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1977. GLP: 
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174 UNEP Publications 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 81 ) 

Type: Ames test 

System of testing: Salmonella typhimurium hisG 46; TA1530, TA1531, TA1532, TA1534. 

Concentration:

Metabolic activation: 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1973. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 121 ) 

Type: DNA damage and repair assay 

System of testing: E.coli WP2uvrA, W3110/polA+, p3478/polA-. 

Concentration: 0.1 - 500 μg/plate 

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1977. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 81 ) 

Type: Bioluminescence Assay (Mutatox (TM)) 

System of testing: Photobacterium phosphoreum dark mutation 

Concentration: no data 

Metabolic activation: no data 

Result: negative 

Method: The ability of test chemicals to restore luminescence of Photobacterium 

phosphoreum is assessed. The repression of the luminescence operon is 

believed to be the cause of the mutant phenotype. Besides detecting genotoxic 

agents, the assay may give positive results for protein cross-linkers and for 

agents that alter gene expression, because targets of the active compound 

include both protein (e.g. the repressor) and DNA-sites (e.g. luciferase 

genebinding site). 

Year: 1990. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Compared to the Ames test, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the 

Mutatox Assay for predicting carcinogenicity of 66 chemicals was lower. 

Source: ( 46 ) 

Type: Microscreen Assay (lambda prophage induction) 

System of testing: E. coli strain WP2s (lambda) 

Concentration: serial dilutions. 

Metabolic activation: with and without. 

Result: positive. 

Method: The assay is an indicator for DNA damage. It measures the induction of 

lambda prophage in E. coli, which results from derepression of the bacterial 

SOS system, a set of coordinately regulated genes that become activated 

when DNA is damaged. Upon SOS-activation, the prophage is excised from 
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E. coli genome and thus enters into the lytic pathway (multiple replication of 

viral DNA, packaging, lysis of the host cell and release of lambda virions). 

Year: 1991. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Maximum enhancement of lambda prophage induction was observed at 

melamine concentrations of 312 μg/ml. In the absence of S9-activation, lambda 

prophage induction was enhanced by factor 7 over background, while 

enhancement was 4 times in the presence of S9 mix. 

Source: ( 114 ) 

B. Non-Bacterial in vitro Tests 

Type: Point mutation 

System of testing: Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4 

Concentration:

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1977. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 82 ) 

Type: HGPRT forward mutation assay 

System of testing: CHO cells 

Concentration: 600 - 1000 μg/ml 

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1982. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 87 ) 

Type: Mouse lymphoma assay 

System of testing: Mouse lymphoma cells L5178Y 

Concentration: 

Metabolic activation: 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1986. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Results presented in schedule. Probably identical with source ( 89 ). 

Source: ( 95 ) 

Type: Mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay 

System of testing: Mouse lymphoma cells L5178Y tk+

/tkConcentration: up to 160 μg/ml 

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1988. GLP: 

Test substance: 
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176 UNEP Publications 

Source: ( 89 ) 

Type: Cytogenetic assay 

System of testing: CHO cells 

Concentration: 240 - 300 μg/ml 

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1987. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 56 ) 

Type: Sister chromatid exchange assay 

System of testing: CHO cells 

Concentration: 150 - 300 μg/ml 

Metabolic activation: with and without S9 

Result: equivocal; there was a small significant increase of SCE without S9 in one of 

two trials. The tests with S9 were negative. 

Method:

Year: 1987. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 56 ) 

Type: Sister chromatid exchange assay 

System of testing: CHO cells 

Concentration: 0.63 - 630 μg/ml 

Metabolic activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1982. GLP: yes 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 28 ), ( 87 ) 

Type: Unscheduled DNA synthesis 

System of testing: Rat hepatocytes 

Concentration:

Metabolic 

activation: 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1983. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ( 91 ) 

Type: DNA damage and repair assay 

System of testing: Rat Hepatocyte Primary Culture 

Concentration: 0.06 - 6 mg/ml 

Metabolic activation: 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1982. GLP: yes 
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Test substance: 

Remark: DNA-Repair Test 

Source: ( 27 ) 

Type: DNA synthesis-inhibition test 

System of testing: HeLa S3 cells 

Concentration: 

Metabolic activation: unclear 

Result: negative 

Method: Heil J. et al., Anal. Biochem. 187, 314-317, 1990. 

Year: 1992. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: The test is proposed as an indicator test for mammalian genotoxicity, based 

on the observation that binding of chemical carcinogens to DNA initially 

inhibits its replication. This in turn appears to lead to an accumulation of 

DNA strand breaks, DNA adducts, chromosome aberrations and mutations, 

all of which predispose to an increased cancer rate. The concentration which 

inhibits DNA synthesis by 50 % was > 300 μM. 

Source: ( 63 ) 

Type: Cell transformation assay 

System of testing: Balb/c 3T3 

Concentration: 

Metabolic activation: with and without rat hepatocytes 

Result: negative 

Method:

Year: 1986. GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: 

Remark: A survey of the genotoxicity test results generated by the NTP is given: 

TA100,1535,1537, 98: negative without and with S9. 

 Cytogenetic aberrations in vitro: negative without and with S9. 

SCE invitro: negative without and with S9. 

UDS in vitro: negative. 

Source: ( 128 ) 

5.6 Genetic Toxicity in vivo 

Type: Micronucleus assay 

Species: mouse 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: oral, gavage 

Exposure period: single application and also 2 doses separated by 24 h. 

Doses: 1000 mg/kg 

Method: Animals were sacrificed 30 and 48 h p.a. In the second experiment mice 

were sacrificed 48 and 72 h after the first application. 

Year: 1981. GLP: yes 

Test substance: 

Result: Negative. 

Source: ( 107 ), ( 86 ) 
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Type: Micronucleus assay 

Species: mouse 

Sex: male 

Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Exposure period: 1 injection per day on 3 consecutive days 

Doses: 0, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg 

Method: 

Year: 1993. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Result: Negative. 

The initial test gave a positive trend from 2.1 micronucleated polychromatic 

erythrocytes / 1000 to 3.8 in the high dose. Peripheral blood smears were 

negative as was a repeat bone marrow test using doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg 

bw/day. 

Source: ( 122 ) 

Type: Drosophila SLRL test 

Species: Drosophila melanogaster 

Sex: male 

Strain: 

Route of admin.: oral, feed 

Exposure period: 3 days 

Doses: 0.023%; 1% solution 

Method:

Year: 1963. GLP: 

Test substance: 

Result: negative 

Source: ( 83 ) 

5.7 Carcinogenicity 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 105 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: m: 2250; 4500 ppm (ca. 126; 263 mg/kg bw) 

f: 4500; 9000 ppm (ca. 262; 542 mg/kg bw) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Result: Survival of high dose male rats was significantly reduced (38%) compared to 

the controls (61%). The incidence of transitional- cell carcinomas was 

significantly increased (8/49) compared to the controls (0/49). In that high 

dose male group one additional transitional-cell papilloma could be found. 

Ten animals had bladder stones. There was a significant correlation between 
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bladder stones and bladder tumors. 7 out of 8 animals with bladder carcinoma 

showed macroscopic bladder sediments. There was an increased incidence of 

chronic inflammation of the bladder only in the treated female rats. One 

female rat of the high and one of the low dose group had a transitional-cell 

papilloma of the bladder as well. 

Source: ( 11 ) 

Species: mouse 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 105 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 2250; 4500 ppm (m: ca. 327; 688 mg/kg bw. f: ca. 523; 1065 mg/kg bw) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: NTP-Standard 

Test substance: ca. 3 % impurities. 

Result: Survival of high dose male mice was significantly reduced. In treated male 

mice there was an increased incidence of urinary bladder stones, and of acute 

and chronic inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia of the urinary bladder. 

There were no other lesions associated with the administration of melamine. 

Source: ( 11 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 24 to 30 months 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: none 

Doses: 100; 500; 1000 ppm (males); 100; 1000; 2000 ppm (females); (corresponding 

daily intake: up to 133 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP: yes 

Test substance: 

Result: Haematological, clinical investigations and urinalysis failed to show any 

difference between treated and controls except a dose-related trend for dilated 

glands in glandular gastric mucosa and inflammation in non glandular gastric 

mucosa. Urinary bladder calculi formation was not observed in this study. A 

total of 4 tumors of the urinary bladder were observed (two in controls, one in 

1000 ppm male, one in 500 ppm female). The tumors were not accompanied 

by other lesions of the urinary bladder wall or cystic calculi. The study was 

conducted in order to clarify effects observed in the NTP carcinogenesis 

study ( 11 ), ( 97 ) in F-344 rats. 

Source: ( 6 ) 
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Species: rat 

Sex: male/female 

Strain: 

Route of admin.: oral feed 

Exposure period: 2 years 

Frequency of treatment: continuously 

Post. obs. period: 

Doses: 1000; 10000 ppm (corresponding doses 67; 667 mg/kg) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method:

Year: 1953 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: At the 1000 ppm level general health (food consumption, growth rate, 

nutrition, mortality) was not significantly different from controls. At the 

10000 ppm level there was an increase in the incidence of urinary bladder 

stones (6/20) and associated an increase of benign papillomata. No other 

health effects were observed. NOEL = 1000 ppm. 

Source: ( 25 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male 

Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral, feed 

Exposure period: 36 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continously 

Post. obs. period: 0-4 weeks 

Doses: 3000, 10000, 30000 ppm (ca. 110, 367, 1100 mg/kg/d) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method: Urinary bladder lesions induced by thymine or melamine were investigated. 

Year: 1992 

GLP: 

Test substance: > 99 %. 

Result: Haematuria and polyuria were found with rats fed 3 % melamine for 36 weeks. 

In rats of this group, water intake was markedly increased, while food 

consumption and body weight gain was decreased compared to controls. 

Relative bladder weights were significantly increased in rats of the mid- and 

high-dosed group; in the latter group, the absolute bladder weight was 

significantly elevated over controls and a remarkable distension of the bladder 

was observed. 

 Exploratory laparatomy performed at the end of week 36 revealed calculus 

formation in 7/10 mid- and 10/10 high-dose rats. Calculi formation was 

significantly correlated with the incidence of bladder tumors. Carcinomas of 

the urinary bladder were observed in 1/20 rats fed 1 % melamine, and in 15/19 

rats given 3 % melamine in the diet; papillomas were induced in 1/20 and 

12/19 rats, respectivly. 

 In the high dose group, papillomas were also found in the ureter of 3 rats; in the 

ureter of 1 rat, a carcinoma was induced. Papillary / nodulary hyperplasia of the 

bladder epithelium was observed in 1 of 20 rats treated with 0.3 % melamine, 

while in rats fed 1 or 3 % melamine, the incidences were 6/20 or 12 /19, 

respectivly.
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Remark: Also thymine at high concentration caused bladder calculi, papillomas and 1 

carcinoma.

Source: ( 16 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: male 

Strain: Fischer 344/DuCrj 

Route of admin.: oral, feed 

Exposure period: 36 weeks 

Frequency of treatment: continously 

Post. obs. period: 4 weeks 

Doses: 10000, 30000 ppm (ca. 430, 1200 mg/kg/d) 

Control Group: concurrent, no treatment 

Method: 8 groups of rats received diets containing 1 or 3 % melamine alone or in 

combination with either 5 or 10 % NaCl, or 10 % NaCl alone for 36 weeks, 

followed by basal diet for 4 weeks. Control rats received basal diet throughout 

the entire study period. NaCl was added to induce polyuria, by thus prevent 

calculi formation, and to allow assessment of the relationship between uroliths 

and lesion development. 

Year: 1995 

GLP: 

Test substance: 99.9 % purity. 

Result: Spontaneous deaths were limited to 3 rats with 1 % melamine who died during 

the treatment period. Body weight gains were lower in rats of treatment groups. 

The final body weight in the group treated with 3 % melamine alone were 

particularly low; average daily food consumption was slightly decreased in this 

group. The water intake taken to reflect urinary volume, was increased by NaCl 

treatment. 

 The incidence of bladder transitional cell carcinomas and papillomas were 

90 and 55 % in the group treated with 3 % melamine alone; 

90 and 25 % in the group treated with 3 % melamine and 5 % NaCl; 

0 and 15 % in the group treated with 3 % melamine and 10 % NaCl; 

21 and 42 % in the group treated with 1 % melamine alone; and 

0 % in the other groups. 

 Calculus formation resulting from 1 % melamine treatment was suppressed 

dose-dependently by simultaneous NaCl treatment. The incidence of 

hyperplasia of the papilla and ischemic changes in the kidneys were dosedependently suppressed by the addition of NaCl. 

 The main constituents of the calculi were melamine itself and uric acid. The 

results indicate that melamine-induced proliferative lesions of the rat urinary 

tract were directly due to the irritative stimulation of calculi, and not to 

molecular interactions between melamine itself or its metabolites with the 

bladder epithelium. 

Source: ( 15 ) 

Species: mouse 

Sex: female 

Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: dermal 

Exposure period: single application 

Frequency of treatment: single application 
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Post. obs. period: 31 weeks 

Doses: 1 μmol 

Control Group: Acetone + TPA. Positive control: Triethylenemelamine. 

Method:

Year: 1983 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: An initiation-promotion experiment with a single painting of melamine 

followed by a promotional treatment (two applications of TPA per week, for a 

period of 31 weeks) was performed in mouse skin. The incidence of 

papillomas after 31 weeks was 14% in the acetone controls, 19% in the group 

which received melamine and 75% in the group given triethylenemelamine. 

In contrast to triethylenemelamine melamine did not act as an initiating agent 

in mouse skin. 

Source: ( 18 ) 

Type of study: Evaluation 

Year: 1984 

Result: When evaluating the results from subchronic and chronic feeding studies with 

melamine, especially the NTP carcinogenesis assay ( 11 ) and the American 

Cyanamid Corporation carcinogenesis assay ( 6 ), the FDA Cancer 

Assessment Committee found that melamine is only indirectly responsible for 

bladder tumors, in that stones occurred only at high melamine doses and it is 

the stones, not melamine, that are tumorigenic. A synopsis of the group's 

findings follows: 

 1. There is a direct correlation between the occurence of bladder neoplasm and 

the formation of calculi in the same bladder. Since bladder calculi have been 

considered in previous studies to be associated with the formation of bladder 

neoplasms in rats, "their presence completely obfuscates any plausible case 

which might be made for a treatment-related chemical induction of bladder 

neoplasms". 

 2. This conclusion is further supported by the results of the short term study 

conducted by American Cyanamid which demonstrated a dosage related effect 

in both the incidence and size of the stones. 

 Also EPA toxicologists came to the same conclusion. 

Source: ( 5 ) 

Type of study: Evaluation 

Year: 1985 

Result: IARC evaluated the 2 NTP carcinogenesis assay ( 11 ). The other 2 

carcinogenicity studies ( 25 ) and ( 6 ) were not included in the evaluation. The 

conclusion was that there is an "inadequate evidence" for carcinogenicity of 

melamine to experimental animals and no evaluation of the carcinogenicity of 

melamine to humans could be made. 

Source: ( 9 ) 

Type of study: Evaluation 

Year: 1998 

Result: IARC re-evaluated the results on melamine in 1998. Some citations from the 

summary of the draft report are: 

 "Human carcinogenicity data: No data were available to the Working Group. 
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 Other relevant data: There is no evidence that melamine undergoes 

biotransformation. The urinary bladder tumours seen in male rats exposed to 

high doses of melamine appear to be produced by a non-DNA-reactive 

mechanism involving epithelial hyperplasia secondary to the presence of 

melamine-containing bladder stones. Consequently, bladder tumours would not 

be expected in either rodents or humans except at doses that produce bladder 

calculi. No data were available on the genetic and related effects of melamine 

in humans. It was not genotoxic in experimental systems. 

 Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of 

melamine. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the 

carcinogenicity of melamine under conditions in which it produces bladder 

calculi.

 Overall evaluation: In making its overall evaluation, the Working Group noted 

that the non-DNA-reactive mechanism by which melamine produced urinary 

bladder tumours in male rats occurred only under conditions in which calculi 

were produced. Melamine is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans 

(Group 3)."

Source: ( 133 ) 

Type of study: Evaluation 

Year: 1985 

Result: The induction of urolithiasis and its relation to bladder neoplasms was 

investigated for 3 substances, one of which is melamine. It was concluded that 

the bladder tumours were secondary to the development of calculi. Melamine is 

apparently nongenotoxic. Increased cell replication in the urothelium of the 

bladder caused by chronic physical injury was probably a major factor in the 

mechanism of induction of bladder tumours by bladder stones. 

Source: ( 7 ) 

Type of study: Evaluation; comparison with genotoxicity data. 

Year: 1987 - 1991 

Result: The carcinogenicity potency TD50, defined as "chronic dose rate which would 

halve the adjusted percentage of tumor-free animals at the end of a standard 

experiment time" was estimated to be 735 mg/kg bw/d for melamine. 

Melamine was classified as a non-genotoxic carcinogen. 

Source: ( 104 ), ( 58 ), ( 129 ) 

Type of study: Evaluation 

Year: 1991, 1995 

Result: The authors investigated the mechanism of non-genotoxic carcinogens. They 

proposed that the formation of bladder stones is necessary for tumor induction 

by certain non-genotoxic compounds, including melamine, following long-term 

administration at super-threshold doses. The differences between rodent and 

human bladders and their implications on the tumour formation are worked out. 

Source: ( 38 ), ( 3 ) 

5.8 Toxicity to Reproduction 

Results: No indication of an effect to the reproductive organs was obtained from the 

repeated dose and chronic toxicity studies: mammary glands, ovaries, prostate, 
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seminal vesicles, testes and uterus were examined macroscopically and 

microscopically in 13-weeks and in chronic toxicity studies with rats and mice. 

Source: ( 11 ) 

5.9 Developmental Toxicity/Teratogenicity 

Species: rat 

Sex: female 

Strain: Wistar 

Route of admin.: with diet 

Exposure period: day 6 through day 16 post coitum 

Frequency of treatment: continously 

Duration of test: until day 20 post coitum 

Doses: 1500; 4500; 15000 mg/kg diet (ca. 136; 400; 1060 mg/kg body weight) 

Control Group: concurrent, dosed with the feed alone 

Method: OECD 414 

Year: 1996 

GLP: yes 

Test substance: melamine ca. 100 %. 

Result: Only maternal toxicity (decreased body weight and feed consumption, 

haematuria, indrawn flanks) was observed in the high dosed group during 

dosing period. At sacrifice reduced body weight was the only toxic sign. 

 No substance related findings were detected for gestational parameters, 

developmental toxicity including teratogenicity. 

 NOAEL for the dams = 4500 mg/kg diet (ca. 400 mg/kg body weight). 

NOAEL for the foetuses = 15000 mg/kg diet (ca. 1060 mg/kg body weight). 

Source: ( 8 ) 

Species: rat 

Sex: female 

Strain: Wistar 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Exposure period: 4th and 5th or 7th and 8th or 11th and 12th day of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: as mentioned above 

Duration of test: 22 days 

Doses: 70 mg/kg 

Control Group: 

Method:

Year: 1957 

GLP:

Test substance: 

Result: There were neither significant signs of maternal toxicity nor teratological 

effects. The study was not conducted according to current standards. 

Source: ( 130 ) 

5.10 Other Relevant Information 

A. Specific Toxicities 

Type: Biochemical or cellular interactions 
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Remark: Principal component of urinary bladder stones found in rats - after melamine 

feeding - is melamine. 

Source: ( 19 ) 

Type: Biochemical and cellular interactions 

Remark: Spermidine/spermine N-acetyltransferase (a marker of cell proliferation) and 

ornithine decarboxylase (a marker of tumour promotion) were determined in 

papillomatosis and in normal epithelial tissue of the urinary bladder following 

feeding of male rats with 3 % melamine for 8 weeks. 

 Both enzyme activities were significantly higher in papillomas than in normal 

tissue.

Source: ( 88 ) 

Type: Effects on tumor growth 

Remark: The effect of melamine on the growth of transplanted "Walker carcinoma 256" 

was studied in rats. Tumor growth as measured by mass was increased by 

melamine compared to the control. Number of anaphases of the tumor tissue 

was slightly increased over controls. 

Source: ( 65 ) 

Type: V79 metabolic cooperation assay 

Remark: Inhibition of metabolic cooperation between 6-thioguanine-sensitive and -

resistant V79 Chinese hamster lung cells has been advocated as a method for 

detecting tumor promotors and teratogens. Melamine was inactive according to 

the criteria used.

Source: ( 134 ) 

Type: Cytotoxicity 

Remark: Cytotoxic action of melamine on certain tumor cell lines in vitro. 

Source: ( 118 ), ( 117 ) 

Type: other 

Remark: Antitumorigenic properties of Hexamethylmelamine and its demethylated 

derivatives depended upon the methylgroups. Melamine which is totally 

demethylated was inactive. 

Source: ( 78 ), ( 113 ) 

B. Toxicodynamics, Toxicokinetics 

Type: Metabolism 

Remark: Male F-344 rats received a single oral dose of 0.38 mg 14C-melamine. Of 93 

% of the dose excreted in the urine 90 % were excreted in the first 24 hours. 

Melamine was not metabolized, there was no binding or storage in organs. 

High levels of radioactivity were found only in the kidneys and the urine 

bladder. The elimination half-life in plasma was about 3 h. No residual 

radioactivity was observed at 24 h or later. 

Source: ( 85 ) 

Type: Metabolism 

Remark: Studies on the metabolism of hexamethymelamine in humans and rats indicate 

that the s-triazine ring is resistant to metabolic cleavage in vivo. 
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Source: ( 135 ) 

Type: Absorption 

Remark: Intestinal distribution and absorption of melamine and its disposition in blood 

and urine were studied in male Wistar rats. In a 1-week feeding study, 

melamine was not absorbed in the stomach but monoexponentially in the small 

intestine. Melamine was also detected in the caecum and the large intestine, 

indicating the possibility that melamine affects intestinal microbial degradation. 

The half life of melamine in the ligated upper part of the small intestine was 

37.9 min; the doubling time of melamine was 18.6 min in the blood and 2.9 

min in the urine. Melamine injected into femoral vein was excreted 

monexponentially into the urine from blood. 

Source: ( 125 ) 

Type: Toxicodynamics 

Remark: Investigation about the diuretic effects of melamine. Doses up to 20 mM/kg 

produced crystalluria in rats. 

Source: ( 79 ) 

Type: Toxicokinetics 

Remark: Melamine acts as a diuretic in dogs and rats. Rats excreted 50 % of the 

substance within 6 h, dogs 60 to 86.5% within 24 h. Crystals found in urine 

were composed of dimelamine monophosphate. Also some experiments on 

pharmacological actions of melamine were performed. The authors describe 

forming of crystal compounds after the administration of high doses. One dog 

fed melamine, adeninesulfate and formoguanamine over a period of 6 months 

developped a bladder stone. 

Source: ( 80 ) 

5.11 Experience with Human Exposure 

Remark: The abstract mentions chronic occupational diseases caused by melamine. No 

further data were presented. 

Source: ( 92 ) 

Remark: Workers engaged in the production of melamine-formaldehyde products had 

dermatoses. The authors consider changes to be due to irritation. The source 

also mentions that there seems to be no sensitivity to melamine. 

Source: ( 123 ) 

Remark: Case report of a worker who handled a melamine-formaldehyde resin. Patch 

tests with cobalt and formaldehyde gave a positive reaction. Additionally the 

man suffered from recurrent psoriasis for more than 40 years. No data about 

sensitizing properties of melamine are presented. 

Source: ( 55 ) 

Remark: Workers involved in the manufacture of melamine and dicyanid-diamide 

showed symptoms of allergic dermatitis. No further data concerning 

melamine were presented. 

Source: ( 127 ) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 187

Remark: Patch-Test signs of irritation/sensibilization in the persons examined (no 

further data). 

Source: ( 45 ) 

Remark: Shift workers are not exposed to melamine during routine production. Workers 

engaged in cleaning or filling or emergency operations may be exposed over 

some hours per week. 

 No effects to the production personal were found until today. 

Source: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria. 

Remark: A dust loading in the working area of 1.14 mg/m3

 was determined in a 

processing plant at 36 °C and a wind speed of 4.2 m/s. 

Source: Agrolinz Melamin GmbH, Austria. 

Remark: Workplace monitoring by personal air sampler, total inhalable dust.

 5 measurements at a production site, 3 measurements at processing. All results 

were in the range of 0.1 to 1 mg/m3

.

Source: BASF AG, Germany, 1997. 

Type of measurement:Migration of melamine into food. 

Year: 1987. 

Results: Acidic food (pH 2-5) is able to release traces of melamin from compression 

moulds made of melamine-formaldehyde resin after prolonged exposure (30 

min) at high temperature (95 °C). 0.54 to 2.21 mg melamine / kg food were 

found in lemon and orange juice, in coffee and curdled milk under the 

described conditions. 

Source: ( 10 ) 

Type of measurement:Migration of melamine into food. 

Year: 1986. 

Method: Tableware cups made of melamine-formaldehyde resin were extracted with 

water, 4 % acetic acid, 20 % ethanol and n-heptane as food simulating 

solvents.

Results: 4 % acetic acid at high temperatures (95 °C) is able to release some melamine. 

The highest migration found was 42.9 ppm in 220 ml 4 % acetic acid when the 

migration test was repeated 7 times at 95 °C for 30 min. Melamine migrates 

only to a limited extent when used under moderate conditions such as noted in 

the Japanese Food Sanitation Law of 1982 but may migrate when used under 

more severe conditions. 

Source: ( 72 ) 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

188 UNEP Publications 

6. REFERENCES

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UNEP Publications 189

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UNEP Publications 191

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OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

194 UNEP Publications 
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 195

EXTRACT FROM IRPTC LEGAL FILES
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

196 UNEP Publications 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 303263

 systematic name:1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

 common name :Melamine

 reported name :MELAMINE

 cas no :108-78-1 rtecs no :OS0700000

 area : CAN type : REG

 --------------------------------

 |subject|specification|descriptor|

 |-------+-------------+----------|

 | USE | OCC | RQR |

 | STORE | | |

 | LABEL | | |

 --------------------------------

 Ingredient Disclosure List - Concentration: 1% weight/weight. The

 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a national

 system providing information on hazardous materials used in the

 workplace. WHMIS is implemented by the Hazardous Products Act and the

 Controlled Products Regulations (administered by the Department of

 Consumer and Corporate Affairs). The regulations impose standards on

 employers for the use, storage and handling of controlled products. The

 regulations also address labelling and identification, employee

 instruction and training, as well as the upkeep of a Materials Safety

 Data Sheet (MSDS). The presence in a controlled product of an ingredient 

 in a concentration equal to or greater than specified in the Ingredient

 Disclosure List must be disclosed in the Safety Data Sheet.

 entry date: APR 1991 effective date: 31DEC1987

 amendment: CAGAAK, CANADA GAZETTE PART II, 122 , 2 , 551 , 1988

 *******

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1122591

 systematic name:1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

 common name :Melamine

 reported name :MELAMINE

 cas no :108-78-1 rtecs no :OS0700000

 area : RUS type : REG

 --------------------------------

 |subject|specification|descriptor|

 |-------+-------------+----------|

 | AIR | OCC | MAC |

 | | | CLASS |

 --------------------------------

 CLV: 0.5MG/M3 (AEROSOL) HAZARD CLASS: II

 entry date: MAY 1990 effective date: 01JAN1989

 amendment: GOSTS*, GOSUDARSTVENNYI STANDART SSSR(STATE STANDARD OF

 USSR), 12.1.005 , , , 1988

 *******

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1302367

 systematic name:1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

 common name :Melamine

 reported name :MELAMINE

 cas no :108-78-1 rtecs no :OS0700000

 area : USA type : REG
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

UNEP Publications 197

 --------------------------------

 |subject|specification|descriptor|

 |-------+-------------+----------|

 | FOOD | ADDIT | RSTR |

 | TRANS | | RSTR |

 | STORE | | RSTR |

 | PACK | | RSTR |

 --------------------------------

 ; Summary - THIS SUBSTANCE IS INCLUDED ON A LIST OF SUBSTANCES USED TO

 PREPARE ADHESIVES WHICH MAY BE SAFELY USED AS COMPONENTS OF ARTICLES

 INTENDED FOR USE IN PACKAGING, TRANSPORTATION, OR HOLDING FOOD IN

 ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESCRIBED CONDITIONS: SUBSTA NCE MUST BE

 SEPARATED FROM THE FOOD BY A FUNCTIONAL BARRIER, MUST NOT EXCEED LIMITS

 OF GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE USED WITH DRY FOODS, OR NOT EXCEED TRACE

 AMOUNTS AT SEAMS AND EDGE EXPOSURES WHEN USED WITH FATTY AND AQUEOUS

 FOODS. ALSO REGULATED BY SEA M INTEGRITY, LABELING STANDARDS, AND ANY

 PROVISION UNDER 21 CFR 175

 entry date: NOV 1991 effective date: 1977

 title: SUBSTANCES FOR USE ONLY AS COMPONENTS OF ADHESIVES

 original : FEREAC, FEDERAL REGISTER, 42 , , 14534 , 1977

 amendment: CFRUS*, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, 21 , 175 , 105 , 1988

 *******

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1336171

 systematic name:1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

 common name :Melamine

 reported name :MELAMINE

 cas no :108-78-1 rtecs no :OS0700000

 area : USA type : REG

 --------------------------------

 |subject|specification|descriptor|

 |-------+-------------+----------|

 | AIR | EMI | RQR |

 | SOIL | EMI | RQR |

 | AQ | EMI | RQR |

 | MANUF | EMI | RQR |

 --------------------------------

 ; Summary - FACILITIES THAT EXCEEDED A MANUFACTURING, IMPORTATION, OR

 PROCESSING THRESHOLD OF 25,000 LBS OR THE USE OF 10,000 LBS FOR THIS

 CHEMICAL MUST REPORT TO EPA ANY RELEASES OF THE CHEMICAL (OR CATEGORY

 CHEMICAL) TO AIR, LAND, WATER, POTW, UNDERGROUND INJECTIO N, OR OFF SITE 

 TRANSFER. THIS REGULATION COVERS STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION

 (SIC) CODES 20-39 ONLY).

 entry date: OCT 1991 effective date: 1987

 title: SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT, TITLE III. EPCRA

 SECTION 313 LIST OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES

 original : CFRUS*, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, 40 , 372 , 65 , 1988

 amendment: CFRUS*, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, 40 , 372 , 65 , 1988

 *******

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1408459

 systematic name:1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

 common name :Melamine

 reported name :2,4,6-TRIAMINO-1,3,5-TRIAZINE
OECD SIDS MELAMINE 

198 UNEP Publications 

 cas no :108-78-1 rtecs no :OS0700000

 area : EEC type : REG

 --------------------------------

 |subject|specification|descriptor|

 |-------+-------------+----------|

 | FOOD | | RQR |

 | GOODS | | MXL |

 | GOODS | | PRMT |

 --------------------------------

 THE SUBSTANCE IS INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF AUTHORIZED MONOMERS AND OTHER

 STARTING SUBSTANCES, WHICH SHALL BE USED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PLASTICS 

 AND ARTICLES INTENDED TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS. THE USE OF

 THE SUBSTANCE IS SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS SPECIFIED THEREIN. SPECIFIC 

 MIGRATION LIMIT: 30 MG/KG. VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE MIGRATION 

 LIMITS SHALL BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIRECTIVES 82/711/EEC AND 

 85/572/EEC. SFER. THIS REGULATION COVERS STANDARD INDUSTRIAL

 CLASSIFICATION

 (SIC) CODES 20-39 ONLY).

 entry date: OCT 1991 effective date: 1987

 title: SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT, TITLE III. EPCRA

 SECTION 313 LIST OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES

 original : CFRUS*, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, 40 , 372 , 65 , 1988

 entry date: SEP 1995 effective date: 01JAN1991

 title: COMMISSION DIRECTIVE OF 23 FEBRUARY 1990 RELATING TO PLASTICS

 MATERIALS AND ARTICLES INTENDED TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS

 (90/128/EEC)

 original : OJEC**, OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, L75 , , 

 19 , 1990

 amendment: OJEC**, OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, L90 , , 

 26 , 1993

 *******

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1470373

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!!

 systematic name:1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

 common name :Melamine

 reported name :MELAMINE

 cas no :108-78-1 rtecs no :OS0700000

 area : EEC type : REG

 --------------------------------

 |subject|specification|descriptor|

 |-------+-------------+----------|

 | MANUF | INDST | CLASS |

 | IMPRT | INDST | CLASS |

 --------------------------------

 The substance is included in a list of existing substances produced or

 imported within the Community in quantities exceeding 1000 tonnes per

 year. - A system of data reporting by any manufacturer who has produced

 or any importer who has imported the substance, as such or in a

 preparation, in quanities exceeding 10 tonnes per year is established.

 entry date: AUG 1999 effective date: 04JUN1993

 title: Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 of 23 March 1993 on the

 evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances

 original : OJECFC, Official Journal of the European Communities, L84 , , 

 1 , 1993