Melamine, its derivatives, and other nitrogen-containing compounds are ubiquitous in the environment. Despite their known toxicity, these compounds are used in a variety of household products, including dishware, cleaning products, cosmetics, tattoo ink, and many others. Findings from a recent study suggest that pregnant females are exposed to a wide variety of these compounds via common household products.

Toxic environmental exposures can have serious, harmful effects on pregnant females and developing fetuses. Evidence suggests that these toxic exposures are associated with an increased risk for infertility, miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and adult and childhood cancer.

The study involved an ethnically diverse group of 171 pregnant females living in various parts of the United States. The investigators measured melamine, melamine derivatives, and other nitrogen-containing compounds (including cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine metabolism) in the participants' urine. Participants provided demographic information regarding their age, race/ethnicity, and marital status.

The investigators found melamine and cyanuric acid (a melamine derivative) in nearly all the participants' urine samples. Levels were highest in Black and Hispanic females and those with greater exposure to tobacco. In addition, nearly all the samples contained nitrogen-containing compounds called aromatic amines, which are commonly used in products containing dyes and pigments, such as hair dyes and cosmetics.

These findings suggest that pregnant females are exposed to a wide variety of toxic nitrogen-containing compounds, such as melamine, its derivatives, and aromatic amines. These exposures disproportionally affect Black and Hispanic females and those exposed to tobacco.

• View full publication.