Erm, if you've seen those videos claiming Stanley products contain lead, we've got news. Stanley products do contain lead. The company has confirmed it. But they also said "no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer nor the contents of the product".
In a notice shared on its website, Stanley explained lead is used as part of the manufacturing process.
"One of the key features of our products is our vacuum insulation technology, which provides consumers with drinkware that keeps beverages at the ideal temperature. Our manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base of our products; the sealing material includes some lead," the notice reads.
"Once sealed, this area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer, making it inaccessible to consumers."
Stanley added that "in the rare occurrence the base cap of a product comes off due to ordinary use and exposes this seal", you'll be eligible to make a claim under the brand's lifetime warranty.
Thankfully, Dr Jack Caravanos, a professor of public health at New York University, didn't appear to be too concerned when discussing the matter with the BBC, following a rise in social media users conducting home tests on their cups.
Dr Caravanos, who studies lead exposure as part of his research, said he tested three cups and did not detect lead, despite using state-of-the-art equipment. He suggests the lead must have been "too deep inside the unit", adding that he's not worried about drinking from his Stanley.
Lead poisoning is nonetheless a serious health risk ("exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age," explains the World Health Organisation), hence why it is so important for cups, tumblers and the like to comply with regulations.
"Stanley assures that its products meet all US & EU regulatory requirements including Prop65. Stanley tests for and validates compliance on all products through FDA accredited 3rd party labs that verify our products follow strict guidelines including but not limited to BPA/BPS, PFOS, and phthalate regulatory requirements," its website states.
Amber O’Connor is Cosmopolitan UK’s junior features writer, who covers everything from breaking news, women’s safety and real life features to fitness, travel, and cultural trends. She works on first-person features, reports, and long reads, plus the hottest stories of the day (if you want to know about the latest wellness craze or TikTok trends, she’s your girl).
Amber has previously worked as a reporter and a lifestyle writer, with her work appearing in numerous publications, including The Mirror, Red Magazine, Evening Standard, Indy100, and Yahoo News. When she’s not working her way through her TBR list, Amber loves dancing, running, and going on adventures with her dog.
