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Melamine toxicity.

kim86

Member
Messages
150
Hey guys,

I'm getting an enclosure built for me and they're using melamine upon my request. The guy said melamine can become toxic after a while. Is this something that others have had issues with when it comes to tegus? I did a quick search and it says melamine can cause kidney failure in animals, but I'm not sure if it includes tegus. If it was that dangerous, I don't think that many people would use melamine.

Anyways, what are your thoughts?

Stoked on the enclosure though - 7 x 3 x 3, plexiglass sliding doors, deep substrate bottom. My dude is gonna be a happy camper.
 

Raicardoso

Member
Messages
55
kim86 said:
Hey guys,

I'm getting an enclosure built for me and they're using melamine upon my request. The guy said melamine can become toxic after a while. Is this something that others have had issues with when it comes to tegus? I did a quick search and it says melamine can cause kidney failure in animals, but I'm not sure if it includes tegus. If it was that dangerous, I don't think that many people would use melamine.

Anyways, what are your thoughts?

Stoked on the enclosure though - 7 x 3 x 3, plexiglass sliding doors, deep substrate bottom. My dude is gonna be a happy camper.

I've never heard of it being toxic but i have heard that after time the moisture can screw it up.
 

Roadkill

Active Member
5 Year Member
Messages
497
Location
Earth
The glue that holds the particles together off-gases formaldehyde. It's because of this that many places refuse to use cabinets or furniture made of melamine. Plus, melamine is just pure crap - heat and humidity cause it to deteriorate and fall apart.
 

kim86

Member
Messages
150
Ya for sure, melamine sucks in the long run but I'm hoping the sealant they're using can hold up for a couple years at least. It's weird that formaldehyde is produced from it...
 

Roadkill

Active Member
5 Year Member
Messages
497
Location
Earth
It's the glue that is used to hold the particles together, it is a phenomenon common to all composite lumber materials. The smaller the particle size, the more surface area that has to be covered, therefore the more glue is used. Even plywood off-gases formaldehyde, just not as much as melamine or MDF.
 

kim86

Member
Messages
150
$450, I'm getting a deal from a company because they want to feature it in some kind of expo or something.
 

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