Recent at-home lead tests emerging from social media have revealed an ugly truth behind the Stanley Cup manufacturing process, but thankfully it poses no health risks to their millions of teenage customers.
Over the past few months, Stanley’s manufacturing secret has been exposed with an explosion of news stories as well as TikTok. Of course, this use of lead was surprising, but more importantly, it provoked fear in Stanley’s millions of users. The Stanley Company did not publicly disclose their use of lead until January of 2024 according to the Today Show on the NBC network.
The Stanley Company has confirmed the lead found in the exterior of the cup is completely separate from what its users drink. The risk of exposure to humans occurs only when the Stanley Cup shatters. Its interior vacuum insulation has to be out in the open to have negative effects on humans.
The risks of inhaling lead can lead to lead poisoning, damage to the brain, slowed growth and learning problems per an article featured on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hearing and speech may also be impaired after exposure to lead.
Stanley Cup production has skyrocketed due to the chokehold on Gen-Z, but many wonder if this newly found use of lead will ruin the company’s reputation.
A commonly discussed topic amongst all generations is which water bottle is sleek, convenient or sustainable. Stanley is not praised for its convenience due to its major spillage but has hit the bullseye on the overall look of the product. Besides being able to carry 40 ounces of water, the addition of the handle has influenced many companies to make a similar look.
Other popular water bottle companies such as Hydro Flask and Owala have used this revelation as a competitive advantage. They have marketed their products on social media platforms to promote their superiority over Stanley. Both companies have stated they do not use lead in their manufacturing processes as comfort for their customers.
Risks to the environment are still prevalent since lead is referred to as a toxic metal. The widespread use of lead has caused an unfortunate amount of contamination in the atmosphere as well as the homes of plants and animals.
Photo Credit: “Stanley Quencher tumblers” by ishmael daro is licensed under (CC BY 2.0 DEED)
