Application of Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Analyzing Melamine

Melamine (MEL; 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine, CAS No. 108-78-1) is a heterocyclic triazine compound containing 67% nitrogen by weight (Figure 1). It is a polar compound and slightly soluble in water and ethanol. MEL forms synthetic resins with formaldehyde which are used in the fabrication of laminates, glues, adhesives, and surface coating resins (WHO, 2008). The pesticide cyromazine (CYRO) can degrade to form MEL (Chou et al., 2003). In terms of toxicity, MEL is not metabolized and is rapidly eliminated in the urine. Animal studies have shown that the oral LD50 in rats is 3,161 mg/kg body weight. High doses of MEL have an effect on the urinary bladder, in particular causing inflammation, the formation of bladder stones and crystals in urine. With regards to carcinogenicity, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded there is inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans (WHO, 2008).