Stanley cups, those trendy drinkware items that have taken the world by storm, have recently sparked a wave of concern. People are not just asking where to find the best deals on these sought-after cups but also whether they are safe to drink from.
A flurry of posts on TikTok and Facebook have raised questions about the safety of Stanley cups, with some claiming that these insulated tumblers contain lead.
Videos and images of DIY lead tests on the cups have added fuel to the fire, showing results that vary from negative to indicating the presence of lead.
So, what is the truth?
Stanley International has reassured consumers about the safety of their products, confirming that there’s no lead on surfaces in contact with users or contents. Their vacuum-insulated stainless steel items use a standard pellet with some lead, but it’s fully enclosed by stainless steel, making it inaccessible. However, if the tumbler’s bottom comes off, it might expose lead to other cup parts, raising contamination concerns.
Is It Safe to Use Stanley Cups? Do They Really Have Lead in Them?
Social media users have been sharing their at-home lead tests for checking the presence of the substance on Stanley Cups using various kits, including the 3M LeadCheck.
While these tests have generated mixed results, there’s no solid evidence to suggest that Stanley cups are unsafe or require testing for lead contamination.
For instance, the 3M LeadCheck kit is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as compliant with certain regulations but only when used by certified professionals.
The accuracy of at-home lead tests is a subject of debate. If you want a result you can trust, the EPA recommends sending a sample to a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program-certified lab.
Seeing all the allegations, Stanley International has addressed the lead concerns with a reassuring statement to USA TODAY. They stated:
“Please rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes in contact with you or the contents of your container.”
They also said:
“We seal our vacuum insulated stainless steel products with an industry-standard pellet that includes some lead. The pellet is completely enclosed by a stainless-steel cover, making it inaccessible to users.”
The company emphasized that all its products meet U.S. regulatory requirements, including California Proposition 65, which focuses on heavy metal and chemical exposure.
So, The lead used in manufacturing Stanley cups should not pose a risk unless the cup is damaged.
If the bottom of the tumbler comes off, it could expose the lead to other parts of the cup, potentially leading to contamination. The primary concern is “hand-to-mouth activity,” such as touching the leaded solder point before eating with your hands.
While Stanley tumblers could be given to kids as gifts, they are not classified as made-for-children products and, therefore, aren’t subject to federal regulations concerning lead concentration in children’s items.
If you’re wary of having any lead near your beverages, lead-free alternatives are available. Stanley cups also come with a lifetime warranty, so if you have any concerns, you can request a replacement via their website.
So, stay safe and enjoy your beverages worry-free!
Are you planning on keeping your Stanley Cup? Or are you thinking of exploring other lead-free options?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: USA Today
