Stanley has addressed claims circulating on social media that their famous cups contain lead, admitting that it is used in the manufacturing process.
Lead poisoning activist Tamara Rubin brought attention to the issue in March 2023, highlighting instances where protective covers had come off Stanley Tumblers, revealing lead.
Lead poisoning can occur through ingestion or inhalation of lead dust or particles. While the risk from a single instance of touching lead is considered low, repeated exposure poses significant health concerns, especially for children, per the World Health Organization.
Following the claims of lead being used in Stanley cups, a spokesperson for the company spoke to TODAY.com, confirming that while lead is indeed used in the production, the risk of exposure only arises if the product becomes damaged, exposing a lead-containing pellet.
The beverage container powerhouse explained that each quencher it produces features a circular stainless steel barrier at the bottom, covering a pellet that seals the vacuum insulation.
The lead-containing pellet remains inaccessible unless the stainless steel barrier is removed, a situation deemed "rare" by the company spokesperson. Stanley is actively exploring innovative, alternative materials for the sealing process, emphasizing compliance with all U.S. regulatory requirements.
Addressing the recent social media posts from concerned Stanley customers who are conducting at-home lead tests, the company asserts that any potential risk would only happen if the protective cover was removed.
Rubin, who advocates against lead in household products, emphasized the potential for covers to come off with heavy use, repeated washings, or children's fidgeting with the area.
As the liquid inside the Stanley cup doesn't come into contact with the lead pellet, Today reports that there is "little to no chance" of exposure from drinking the liquid inside the container.
Stanley is not the only company using lead-containing pellets for insulation. The company claims that its pellet is an industry-standard. Similar insulated cups from other companies have been tested and found to have comparable lead-containing pellets.
In another viral story involving Stanley, one woman's cup went viral after it survived a car fire.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Danielle, known as @danimariellettering on TikTok, shared a video revealing the aftermath of her car catching fire.
The interior of the vehicle was in ruins, with seats devoured by flames, the steering wheel in tatters, and everything blackened by the blaze. Yet, amidst the devastation, Danielle's Stanley Cup emerged unscathed.
In a remarkable twist, Danielle not only found her cup intact but discovered it still had ice in it. The video quickly became a testament to the durability of Stanley cups, earning the brand an unexpected and powerful endorsement.
Stanley's global president, Terence Reilly, took to TikTok to express the company's relief that Danielle was safe. He mentioned being "really glad" she was unharmed and extended an offer to replace her fire-damaged vehicle.
True to their word, Stanley went above and beyond, delivering a brand new car to Danielle. In an update on social media, Reilly shared: "We delivered the car. Stanley's offer to replace a woman's vehicle a few weeks ago was intended merely as a kind gesture in an increasingly unkind world."
He continued: "Somehow, our simple act of kindness went remarkably viral around the globe. Who really knows why? I guess people everywhere are just tired of the meanness in this world. As promised, we delivered the brand new car that Danielle requested."
