to the editor: In his editorial, Langman discusses the three reports of renal injury from melamine. Other health effects may be worth considering in light of the molecular composition of melamine (Fig. 1). Melamine is a triazine (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine). Atrazine is a chlorinated triazine (2-chloro-4-[ethylamine]-6-[isopropyla-mine]-s-triazine) and is used extensively as a broadleaf herbicide in the Midwest and elsewhere in the world, although its use is banned in Europe. Atrazine has been associated with reproductive malformations, such as hermaphroditism in amphibians. Long-term screening for reproductive ill effects in babies who have been exposed to melamine-adulterated formula may be warranted. Conversely, studies on the health of agricultural workers using atrazine should include an assessment of renal colic and kidney failure.
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