Melamine in baby formula has been a hot topic in the press recently – the chemical was found in milk powder imported from China and the contamination has sparked worldwide concern. While it's unlikely that a child in the United States would be exposed to melamine in that form, our children's environment is not melamine-free. Most of the brightly colored dishes featuring cute animals and cartoon characters are made from melamine. The problem is that melamine is made with formaldehyde, which has been linked to allergies, asthma and cancer.

There are no definitive studies showing that melamine's components leech out of plates and into foods, but many parents are becoming increasingly wary of using any plastics at all. These parents are taking a "better safe than sorry" approach and finding alternatives to possible toxins. Only time – and more studies – will determine if it's overkill or simply good sense.

It's no wonder melamine is attractive for both kids and their parents. It's almost impossible to break, and it never shatters. Also, thanks to its ability to be formed in bright colors, it can depict your child's favorite cartoon or Disney character.

Those bright, eye-catching plates are actually made with a combination of melamine, urea and formaldehyde. These organic compounds combine to produce the melamine resin that can be molded and used for a variety of industrial and domestic uses, including cups, plates and handles for flatware, to name just a few household products where melamine is commonly used. In general, melamine products are not recommended for use in the microwave, but who really pays attention to that suggestion?

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