Melamine is a key ingredient in almost all intumescent fire protective coatings. However, there are now serious concerns about whether it is hazardous. Protection against fire should never compromise the health and safety of the workers that apply products, the inhabitants of properties, and the wider public. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to consider the risks before choosing any products.

What is melamine?

Melamine is a white powder organic compound. There are a number of industrial applications for it, including the creation of colourless transparent resins, laminates, and coatings. One of the most interesting uses for it is fire proof coatings. The high nitrogen content prevents it from burning.

Classification

Some producers argue that melamine in fire protective coatings does not pose a threat to human health. However, it was classified as Carcinogenic Category 2 – H351 in December 2023. ECHA followed suit, identifying melamine as SVHC (substances of very high concern) in February 2024. It could end up on Annex XIV later this year.

Repeat or prolonged exposure to melamine is suspected to cause cancer and damage to organs. It is also under assessment for interfering with hormones and the endocrine system. ECHA fears it could be harmful to unborn children and affect fertility too.

The consequences of melamine in fire protective coatings

There are two huge potential hazards with the use of intumescent coatings containing melamine.

Firstly, is the diffusion into the air. Typically, the most effective way to apply a standard coating is to spray it directly on the surface. However, this diffuses fine particles of powder into the air. It can contaminate the site and release into the surroundings. People can then inhale it, potentially leading to serious health problems. Plus, it can get on clothing and footwear, in hair, and on the skin, potentially exposing even more people to it.

Secondly, the fire protective coatings are permanently carcinogenic. Producers argue that encapsulation means the melamine won’t be released. However, any damage to surfaces could release contaminated dust into the air that people could ingest. You would also have people working or living in an environment where the surface coating could harm them. This is exactly why asbestos and lead paint are no longer in use.

Choose the safer option

Aithon is one of the leading developers of intumescent coatings in the world. Crucially, we are ahead of the competition in terms of melamine in fire protective coatings. We eliminated it from our formulas long before it was classified as carcinogenic.

So, if you want to maximise fire protection without a potential risk of harm to people, choose our coatings. You can contact us for further information about melamine, the risks, and our products.