Is your Stanley Cup affecting your fertility?

Tiktok and social media users have recently caused some havoc surrounding the dangers of the very popular Stanley cups. Claims have been made in regard to these cups containing the toxic heavy metal, lead, and how this is impacting our reproductive health and fertility. So let’s talk about it.

What’s the low down on Stanley and lead?

There have been a number of social media posts and videos going around lately about Stanley cups containing lead and how at home lead tests have shown positive for lead in these cups. According to the company’s website, they do admit that some lead is used within the vacuum insulation technology which forms their industry standard pellet on the bottom of the cup. This technology provides the cup with insulation to keep your beverages either hot or cold for long periods of time. This seal is, however, covered with a stainless steel layer and the company has stated that as long as this seal is not damaged or broken, the consumer is unable to come into contact with or be exposed to any lead. Stanley also assures customers that all of their products “meet all US regulatory requirements including Prop65. Stanley tests for and validates compliance on all products through FDA accredited 3^rd party labs that verify our products follow strict guidelines including but not limited to BPA/BPS, PFOS, and phthalate regulatory requirements.” Furthermore, a recent study reports the accuracy of at home lead tests to be uncertain and unreliable and, therefore should not be used.

How does lead impact fertility and pregnancy?

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can build up in our body and, if exposed to it, can cause complications with almost all body systems, especially our reproductive health and fertility. Research shows that lead exposure can lead to hormonal disruptions affecting libido, ovulation, egg quality, delayed conception time, and increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. It can also cause morphological abnormalities or birth defects in unborn babies. Unfortunately there is no reported ‘safe limit’ or upper limit of lead exposure/intake and so this should be limited and/or avoided wherever possible. The main sources of lead within the environment include unfiltered tap water, paint and contaminated soil.

What should I do if I’ve been using a Stanley cup?

If you’ve been using a Stanley cup, there is no need to freak out! Chances are, you have not been exposed to any lead, as long as the bottom pellet/barrier (small circle on the underside of the cup) is intact and the cup has not been damaged in any way. You don’t need to throw your Stanley in the bin and it is safe to continue drinking out of this cup, again, as long as you ensure the cup is not damaged. If this occurs, throw your cup away immediately and know that Stanley offers a lifetime guarantee in this unlikely situation!

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This article was co-written by Midwife & Nutritionist, Maddy Dore, owner of Continuum Nutrition & Wellness.

If you’re interested in taking any supplements, please discuss this with your practitioner to ensure you’re taking the correct dose and form for you. This article is not intended to be medical advice and is purely for education purposes.