Are magic sponges do terrible for the environment?

Melamine sponges are beloved by the sparkling-clean set for their ability to vanquish tough stains . The secret: On the micro-level, they have a very hard yet porous surface, which makes them quite abrasive and therefore great at scrubbing off stubborn smears . But what are they, exactly?

Technically, the material is called melamine foam — which you’ll also find in soundproof panels and other types of insulation. Melamine itself is an industrial compound, and alone, it’s the poison that sickened and even killed pets in 2007 (from contaminated pet food) and babies in 2008 (tainted infant formula). But the foam contains something different, a compound called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. I know, formaldehyde doesn’t sound any better, but when you combine all these ingredients, you get a durable resin without the toxic effects of the individual parts.

One thing’s for sure, a little bit of the Melamine foam rubs off every time you use, they wear out quickly.