The '700,000 Won Tumbler' Everyone Wants... Uproar Over Heavy Metal Controversy

Stanley, Controversy Over Lead Content
Stanley Side Says "Rest Assured" Amid Controversy

The tumbler brand 'Stanley,' which is gaining popularity in the United States, has been embroiled in controversy over lead content.

Stanley tumbler lead inspection video. /Photo by Instagram capture

Recently, numerous videos claiming that lead was detected in Stanley tumblers have been posted on social media platforms including TikTok. The videos show that when a cotton swab dipped in a solution that changes color upon contact with lead is rubbed on various parts inside the tumbler, such as the bottom, the swab changes color.

Stanley tumbler lead inspection video. /Photo by Instagram capture

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that takes longer to be expelled from the body compared to other heavy metals once absorbed. Excessive accumulation of lead in the body can cause neurological disorders, anemia, constipation, and abdominal pain, and in children, it may hinder growth or cause hyperactivity disorders.

As consumer concerns grew, Stanley explained that some lead is used in the material sealing the bottom of the tumbler, but this lead does not come into direct contact with consumers. A Stanley spokesperson said, "We use industry-standard pellets to seal the vacuum insulation located at the bottom of the product during manufacturing, and the sealing material contains some lead."

Stanley Tumbler. [Image source=Stanley official website]

They added, "Once sealed, this part (the bottom) is covered by a durable stainless steel layer that consumers cannot touch," and reassured, "There is no lead on the surface of any Stanley product that consumers come into contact with, nor is there lead in the contents, so please rest assured." Stanley explained that lead used as a sealing material will not be exposed unless the tumbler is damaged, exposed to extreme heat, or used in ways not intended by the product.

Recently, Stanley tumblers have become a hot item in the United States. People have even set up tents and waited overnight in 'sleep-out runs' to get one, and there have been cases of tumblers being 'swept up' by thieves. As the tumbler's popularity continues, the product, originally priced at $49.95 (about 65,000 KRW), has been traded on online secondhand markets for up to $550 (about 730,000 KRW), more than ten times the retail price.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.