The present invention is directed to a method of using non-resinous melamine to safen urea formaldehyde-wood composites and the product produced thereby. The method involves incorporation of non-resinous melamine into a urea formaldehyde-wood composite in a manner which leaves most of the melamine free to serve as a flame retardant and formaldehyde scavenger. The non-resinous melamine is incorporated into the urea formaldehyde-wood composite prior to curing the urea formaldehyde resin.