Stanley Cups have been all over social media lately. People know them as the big stainless steel thermal cup everyone can rely on. A TikTok video from the user danimarrielettering stirred up the popularity of the Stanley cups in November. The woman was looking through her car that had been scorched by fire, pulled a Stanley cup out of a cup holder, and stated that there was still ice in it as she shook the bottle.

At the same time, people on social media have been shown using lead testers on their Stanley cups and say they are scared that they have been digesting lead. Some tests have come out positive, although some test kits are unreliable.

Stanley states there is no lead present on the surface of any Stanley product 

ABC7 News described that lead is used in part of the Stanley vacuum system, but it is covered in stainless steel layers that protects the inside from lead exposure. Between the seal and the metal is empty space, which is the reason thermal cups keep drinks hot or cold for long periods of time. 

People are still concerned about the dangers of ingesting lead, considering the metal can cause kidney problems, anemia, and development problems. Stanley states that only if the base of the cup comes off, which is a rare occurrence, is there any danger. If the cup gets dropped, a piece of metal could come loose and lead could be exposed, but because of the stainless steel, it should never come in contact with skin. If this happens, the cup will be replaced under a lifetime warranty. 

Not just Stanley cups, but other brands have been recalled over their use of these materials, according to US Consumer Product Safety Commision.