The internet, which spent recent monthscelebrating Stanleysas the must-have hot girl product, went ballistic.
Hydro Flask ran posts on social media boasting about its lead-free manufacturing process.
Leads pretty bad for you.
Screenshot: Hydro Flask / Stanley
Minuscule amounts of the heavy metal can be toxic, especially for children.
In adults, long-term lead exposure can lead to issues including high blood pressure and brain and kidney problems.
We aim for a higher standard.
Rubins tests show that Hydro Flask products are lead-free.
Im the reason Hydro Flask is lead-free, Rubin told Gizmodo.
Hydro Flask didnt respond to a request for comment.
All of the insulated stainless steel Stanley products are sealed with a lead dot, Rubin said.
At this point, thats no secret.
That leaded pellet is then covered with a little metal disk featuring the companys logo.
Once sealed, this area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer, making it inaccessible to consumers.
Rubin confirmed theres no lead on the outer layer of Stanleys, but she doesnt find that reassuring.
Theres a simple answer: with certain exceptions, its legal and it saves money.
Stanleys flagship Quencher mug costs $35.
Sadly for you and your body, it can be legal to use, even in drink wear.
Rubin disagrees; she said shesfiled a complaintwith the CPSC.
Stanley says this button covering the lead sealant doesnt come off, but it does, Rubin said.
If all that isnt dumb enough for you, lets fire up the global supply chain mobile.
The same goes for most big-name American brands selling insulated cups.
Hydro Flask often works with a factory calledFeijian Industrial Trade, thewebsitesays.
Both companies partner with the exact same Chinese manufacturer calledHaers Vacuum Containers, ImportYeti reports.
Hydro Flasks sanctimonious criticism is really a matter of picking a different factory thats practically down the street.
Theres nothing inherently unsafe or concerning about products made in China, Rubin said.
Large retailers often have too much to lose when theres a regulatory violation.
The problem, Rubin said, is when smaller companies partner with foreign factories.
Rubin cautions against these kinds of tests.
Home lead test kits arent reliable, Rubin said.
Many are designed for testing for lead in paint, not designed for testing consumer goods.
However, there is a resource it’s possible for you to try, thanks to Rubins work.
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