The facts about melamine

[Frannie]

I would love to start a discussion about melamine. Specifically plates and kids utensils. I have a bunch from 2 years ago that I bought at Target. We don't put them in the dishwasher or heat them in any way, but just today I put them in my basement with other things to discard of (or donate.) To the best of my knowledge, melamine doesn't leach into food but I do know that the dangers of it being in formula, livestock feed and other consumables is coming into light now. It's making me very nervous.

If you have any info, please share!!!

I felt guilty when I put the kids' Mickey and Minnie mouse plates away, but then I realized, I'm not depriving my kids of anything if it means making their environment healthier, but that's a challenge I face daily, hoping that they don't feel deprived if many friends have things like that.

[StarDeSoul]

I implore you... if you feel YOUR kids are at risk from these products, then PLEASE do not donate them! As a former homeless single parent, I was always disgusted when people tried to give me their children's prodeucts that they KNEW were unsafe for their own children... aren't ALL children sacred??

[Frannie]

This is something I struggle with often - donating things. I might not want to use something anymore because of personal views, but if these plates do not emit harmful chemicals, but I choose not to use them, why not give them to someone who might not have any? The stores still sell them and many people still buy them. I just choose not to use them.

I never donate anything that I know is harmful or toys that have been recalled or anything like that. I would never assume that just because someone may not have something, that they should get something sub-par.

And yes, I do feel ALL children are sacred.

[Samantha Harnack]

I don't know of any dangers of melamine but I'd also be interested if anyone has any information. I'll try to do some checking to see if anything turns up.

Sam