Social media can be really unpredictable. On one hand, it’s great for promoting a product, but then it can just as quickly turn against it. It’s safe to say that the Stanley cup, a trendy, brightly colored tumbler that everyone seems to have, has really been on the roller coaster ride of social media lately. The latest news? Social media is making a big deal about the Stanley cups potentially containing lead. (Stanley’s website does mention the use of lead.)
So, of course, the internet has blown up with jokes and memes poking fun at what used to be a tough and rugged brand but is now associated with influencers and health nuts. Even “Saturday Night Live” did a sketch on it, joking about the concern over lead poisoning from using Stanley cups. Then there are those who are actually going so far as to test their Stanleys for lead in their homes. Some have even posted videos of their results. (Just a reminder, though, that at-home lead tests aren’t always reliable.)
Stanley has responded to the lead concerns, reassuring customers that all products meet US regulatory requirements and are tested regularly to make sure they’re safe. But here’s what it all comes down to: Every Stanley product has a small metal bead with lead inside. This is essential for their vacuum insulation technology, but Stanley hasn’t said exactly how much lead is in that dot or shield. As long as no lead is touching your drink and that metal bead doesn’t fall off, experts say there’s really nothing to be worried about. Even if you love sipping from your Stanley tumbler.
The lead scare all started with Tamara Rubin of Lead Safe Mama, an organization that’s all about telling people about lead poisoning. She was the first to bring up the concern last March, and it’s been making headlines ever since. But don’t just take my word for it. Read more about it and decide for yourself.