Full XRF test results for a 2023-purchased Stanley 40 oz Flowstate Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

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Published: March 11, 2023 – Saturday

Section #1) First Impressions

In opening the box for this package my first impression was that I was quite surprised that the colored exterior was not actually paint, but silicone. It appears that the cup is actually dipped in silicone. Consistent with other silicone products, some of the preliminary testing showed traces of Cadmium in the silicone coatings, but the readings were not consistently replicable so are not part of the reading set shared below. One reading (not replicated with multiple additional tests) also showed traces (very low levels) of Antimony in the silicone coating and another indicated the possibility of very low levels of Mercury in the coating – but again these were not consistently replicable and would need further destructive laboratory testing of the coating to determine the legitimacy of these non-replicable readings.

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Section #2) Note about the presence of any traces of Cadmium, Antimony and Mercury Found

Given this is clearly a product manufactured for use by adults (and not intended for use by children) it is entirely legal for traces of contaminants (specifically heavy metals) to be in the substrate or coating materials. Any XRF readings of traces (or even significant amounts) of metals that might be considered toxic under most circumstances would not be illegal to find in a product like this as there are no “total content limits” set for toxicants in products intended for use by adults.

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Section #3) Leach Testing & the Concern for Nickel

The main set of considerations regulating food-use product manufactured for use by adults is that it pass leach-testing standards set by the FDA. What this means is that when the product is used as intended (as demonstrated by the packaging and marketing for the product) it will not leach any toxicants (carcinogens/heavy metals, including Nickel) into the contents above the allowable thresholds set by the FDA. Products are only required to be safe from a Leach-testing perspective at the time of manufacture / sale and when used as intended. When no longer new (and/or if not used as intended) there is the possibility of a heavily used / regularly used product to Leach toxicants (metals) at levels beyond what is considered safe by FDA standards.

I mention the above because it is specifically interesting as it relates to the clearly articulated messaging related to this product. As shown in both the website description (first image below) and the images of the labels (more images at the bottom of the page) this product has the following language that demonstrates that the intended use is primarily for water – not for other beverages:

1. The name of the product is the Quencher H2.O Tumbler (with H2O being the chemical symbol for water)
2. The language on the packaging says “All Day Hydration” – with “hydration” being a word we typically associate with water.
3. “Using Straw With Hot Drinks May Scald” is printed on the bottom of the cup, supporting the concept that a primary intention is that this reusable straw cup is first-and-foremost intended to be used to drink (cold) water (or other cold beverages.)
4. “…so you can easily carry your ice-cold water to work” is in the website listing, with no other beverages mentioned in the products marketing or advertising.

Continue reading below the image:

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While I am certain that users of this product may in fact use it for hot beverages, I have previously written about concerns for using any stainless steel cup or water bottle with hot acidic beverages on a regular basis and I believe (educated guess) that the language included with this cup (in the packaging, on the website and on the cup itself) is quite intentional, given the potential for harm when using a stainless cup with hot acidic beverages (like coffee or tea)— especially when using that same cup on a regular basis (daily, with long-term use) for that purpose. I think this Stanley 40 oz cup is a great option for drinking cold water from (in order to keep hydrated), but I would not personally recommend using it to drink coffee from (or for storing coffee in) on a regular basis. You can read more about the science behind that concern here on this link.

The main concern with this cup with hot or acidic (or hot and acidic) beverages is that the stainless steel of the interior of the cup is “304 Stainless Steel”, otherwise known as 18/8 Stainless. What this means (as demonstrated by the XRF reading set for component #4 below) is that the Stainless (the beverage-contact surface) of this cup is about 18% (180,000 ppm) Chromium and about 8% (80,000 ppm) Nickel. Nickel is a known carcinogen – and, accordingly, covered by Prop 65 in the State of California. This cup (especially if used daily for off-label uses, including with hot acidic beverages like coffee or tea) could (over time) potentially cause unsafe levels of Nickel exposure to the user.

This is not to say that off-label use of this product will cause health impacts for every user — but it is important for users of this product to know the scientific basis for the concern that supports the concept of avoiding daily/habitual use of stainless steel vessels/containers (especially high-nickel content stainless like this example) with hot acidic beverages like coffee or tea – especially if the user is already aware of a Nickel allergy (or if, say, they have had a blood, hair or urine test indicating they had too much Nickel in their system). You can read more about biological testing for metals on this link.

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Section #4) Note about the potential for the presence of Lead in inaccessible components of this particular product

There was no Lead found in any accessible components of this product. I expect there is likely Lead under the bottom metal disc (with the logo – in the center of the bottom off the cup), Lead likely used as the sealing material to create the insulated seal for this cup. This would not be illegal, as this is not an item intended for use by children. [Note: based on the informal social media poll I took (3/11/23) of Lead Safe Mama readers, I would estimate that about 5 to 10% of users of this cup reported that they experienced a failure of the seal on the bottom of these cups, with the disc falling off and potentially exposing a Leaded sealing dot underneath – if, in fact, Lead is used to seal this cup (you can read more about that here – link).]

I have not yet decided if I will do destructive testing on the cup that I purchased (purchased with the help and support of Lead Safe Mama readers – thank you!), but will report back on that ASAP if that is something I end up doing – to confirm whether or not there is Lead under that sealing disc. I would hate to destroy a useful (and not inexpensive!) safer product that we might otherwise use for a giveaway prize for a giveaway to Lead Safe Mama readers, so I will first look for other ways to confirm whether or not there is Lead. [BTW, if you happen to have one of these cups and the bottom has popped off – AND if you happen to have a 3M Lead Check® swab handy to test the exposed sealing dot, I would truly appreciate it if you could report back to me and let me know if your exposed sealing dot for one of these cups tests positive (with a 3M Lead Check® swab*) for Lead.]

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For the readings below, the metals noted in RED are concerning metals (but not necessarily at concerning levels in this particular product). Metals noted in BLUE are not concerning metals in this application. Metals noted as “non-detect” were not found [within the limits of detection of XRF technology; in this case, the instrument used is calibrated and set up to test for most metals down to ranges of single digits of “parts per million” (ppm)]. All tests were done multiple times to confirm the results. Results are science based, replicable and accurate (within the limits of XRF technology designed to test consumer goods for toxicants).

*Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on one of these links we may receive a small percentage of what you spend – at no extra cost to you.

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Section #5) Full XRF Readings for All Accessible Components of this Product (Components #1 through #11)

Component #1) Exterior Blue Silicone Coating (at lower part / base of cup) – 60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): 93 +/- 21 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): 55,900 +/- 1,400 ppm
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect 
• Nickel (Ni): 23,400 +/- 1,200 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 2,435 +/- 205 ppm
• Manganese (Mn): 9,748 +/- 666 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 9,321 +/- 921 ppm
• Niobium (Nb): 664 +/- 49 ppm
• Molybdenum (Mo): 1,798 +/- 107 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 242,600 +/- 7,500 ppm
• Platinum (Pt): 226 +/- 102 ppm
• Gold (Au): 257 +/- 78 ppm 
• Cobalt (Co): 7,000 +/- 618 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #2) White Logo Marking on Blue Silicone Coating – 60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): 110 +/- 23 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): 64,000 +/- 1,700 ppm
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect 
• Nickel (Ni): 26,200 +/- 1,400 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 2,436 +/- 213 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 77 +/- 40 ppm
• Manganese (Mn): 11,200 +/- 800 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 83,000 +/- 2,000 ppm
• Niobium (Nb): 820 +/- 57 ppm
• Molybdenum (Mo): 2,080 +/- 126 ppm
• Indium (In): 26 +/- 17 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 276,300 +/- 9,500 ppm
• Platinum (Pt): 344 +/- 116 ppm
• Gold (Au): 252 +/- 83 ppm 
• Cobalt (Co): 8,994 +/- 714 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #3) Center of Bottom of Exterior of Cup (silicone coated area with bottom logo) – 60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): non-detect
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): 112,600 +/- 1,800 ppm
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect 
• Nickel (Ni): 49,600 +/- 3,100 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 1,013 +/- 182 ppm
• Manganese (Mn): 13,200 +/- 900 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 31,700 +/- 1,300 ppm
• Niobium (Nb): 467 +/- 63 ppm
• Molybdenum (Mo): 969 +/- 104 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 443,300 +/- 19,000 ppm
• Platinum (Pt): 284 +/- 158 ppm
• Cobalt (Co): 8,366 +/- 943 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #4) Uncoated Stainless Steel of Interior of Cup
Stainless Steel #304
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): 118 +/ – 30 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): 182,800 +/- 1,100 ppm
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect 
• Nickel (Ni): 80,600 +/- 1,200 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 3,438 +/- 274 ppm
• Manganese (Mn): 11,800 +/- 800 ppm
• Molybdenum (Mo): 1,542 +/- 99 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 716,300 +/- 1,800 ppm
• Vanadium (V): 1,264 +/- 260 ppm
• Cobalt (Co): 2,108 +/- 954 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #5) Light Blue / Gray Reusable Plastic Straw
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): 61 +/ – 16 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): non-detect
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect
• Zinc (Zn): 144 +/- 10 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #6) Thick Light Blue / Gray Semi-Transparent Plastic of Cap
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): 109 +/ – 13 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): non-detect
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #7) Dark Blue Silicone Insert in Cap
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): 62 +/ – 22 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): non-detect
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect
• Zinc (Zn): 46 +/- 8 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #8) Thick Light Blue / Gray Opaque Plastic of Cap (under straw valve)
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): non-detect
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): non-detect
• Antimony (Sb): non-detect
• Zinc (Zn): 24 +/- 5 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 2,275 +/- 269 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #9) White Silicone Gasket Seal on Underside of Cap
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): 16 +/- 4 ppm
• Tin (Sn): 12 +/ – 6 ppm
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): non-detect
• Antimony (Sb): 17 +/- 9 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 136 +/- 16 ppm
• Niobium (Nb): 530 +/- 17 ppm
• Indium (In): 18 +/- 5 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #10) Hard Plastic Blue Handle
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): non-detect
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): non-detect
• Chromium (Cr): non-detect
• Antimony (Sb): 17 +/- 9 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 10 +/- 4 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Component #11) Metal Screw Affixing Hard Plastic Handle
60-Second Test

• Lead (Pb): non-detect
• Cadmium (Cd): non-detect
• Tin (Sn): non-detect
• Mercury (Hg): non-detect
• Selenium (Se): non-detect
• Barium (Ba): 124 +/- 74 ppm
• Chromium (Cr): 15,300 +/- 200 ppm
• Antimony (Sb): 17 +/- 9 ppm
• Nickel (Ni): 1,900 +/- 62 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 668 +/- 44 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 36,600 +/- 400 ppm
• No other metals detected in consumer goods mode

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Section #6) Conclusion

If you are going to use an insulated stainless steel product for water, this Stanley product is as good a choice as most (from a toxicant perspective/ ethical manufacturing perspective) for use by adults. I understand from feedback from Lead Safe Mama readers that the primary functional appeal of this product is the fact that it fits in the cupholder of most cars.

Most Stanley products I have tested have been Lead-free. (You can see other Stanley products I have tested here on this link.) I would not be surprised if this cup is 100% Lead-free, but absent destructive testing we don’t yet have confirmation of that one away or the other. A typical manufacturing / design strategy in the past 10+ years (since I first discovered this issue with the older Hydroflask products – link, after which they switched to Lead-free materials for their vacuum seals) is to cover the Leaded sealing dot with a metal disc – or alternately a bottom cap. It is for this reason I believe there is a high probability that this component may be Leaded (there’s really no manufacturing benefit to covering the spot with a metal disc for any other reason.) I will update this article as soon as we have more information.

If you want to use a known 100% Lead-free choice (even if just for ethical and environmental reasons), Hydroflask or LifeFactory are better choices (link). If you are going to be drinking coffee or any other acidic beverage out of your bottle, avoid all Stainless Steel options and look for glass – I like LifeFactory for this, although it is not insulated.

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Section #7) For those new to this website:

Tamara Rubin is a multiple-Federal-award-winning independent advocate and activist, and a documentary filmmaker. She is the owner and founder of Lead Safe Mama, LLC  – a woman-owned small business for consumer goods safety and childhood Lead-poisoning prevention. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children, the inspiration for her work [Tamara’s sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in August of 2005]. She was trained and certified to use XRF technology in 2009  – specifically with the focus of testing consumer goods for toxicants.

• Tamara was the parent-advocate responsible for finding Lead in the popular fidget spinner toys in 2017. 
• In 2022 her work was also responsible for three CPSC product recalls — the Jumping Jumperoo recall (June, 2022); the Lead painted NUK baby bottle recall (July, 2022); and the Leaded Green Sprouts Insulated Stainless Steel Baby Bottles (November, 2022).
• In 2023, her work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine (link) and has already (as of the date of publishing this article) precipitated one product recall, one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” the Bindle Bottle insulated stainless steel water bottle.
• To see a summary of violation reports filed by Lead Safe Mama, LLC – as well as recent press coverage of our work please click this link.

The XRF instrument Tamara uses is the same instrument (and same scientific method) used by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals), including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic. All test results reported on this website (LeadSafeMama.com / TamaraRubin.com) are science-based, accurate, and replicable. Items are tested multiple times, to confirm the test results for each component tested and reported on. Please click through to this link to learn more about the testing methodology used for the test results discussed and reported on this website.