Beware of “Poison” from the Mouth: An Analysis of Risks from Substandard Cups (Part II)

There are stories in every cup, warmth in every life—hello everyone, "Dong Dong's Cup Talk" is here. As people's pursuit of material comfort, convenience, and health grows, cups have evolved from optional accessories to essential items in daily life and work. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlHowever, some consumers prioritize affordability over quality, believing that cheaper means "better value." Unbeknownst to them, unscrupulous businesses exploit this mindset by marketing substandard cups that often come with a host of issues.

These cups may have problems with quality, craftsmanship, or material safety. Today, as someone with years of experience in the cup industry, I will break down the risks associated with using non-compliant cups. Given my limited expertise, I have consulted numerous sources to compile this information. If you spot any inaccuracies or unclear explanations, https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlplease feel free to point them out. Due to the extensive content, I will organize the information into separate articles based on different materials.

Cups are our daily companions for hydration, and their material safety directly impacts our health. The diverse array of cup products on the market can turn into "health bombs" that slowly release harmful substances if they fail to meet production standards, https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmluse inferior materials, or exhibit flawed craftsmanship. I will systematically analyze the hidden dangers of various types of substandard cups.

II. Stainless Steel Cups: The "Heavy Metal Crisis" Behind Rust

Stainless steel cups are durable, but their "stainless" quality hinges on precise alloy composition.

Types of Non-Compliance:

1. Mislabeled Materials:

Using non-food-grade 201 or 202 stainless steel, https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlor even inferior 200-series steel, to mimic food-grade 304 or 316 stainless steel.

2. Craftsmanship Flaws:

- Single-Layer Cups: Rough interior welding that traps dirt and leads to corrosion.

- Double-Layer Cups: Substandard vacuum insulation with poor heat retention; faulty sealing between the inner liner and outer shell, which may allow liquid to seep into the interlayer and breed bacteria.

Core Harmful Substances and Health Impacts:

1. Manganese (Mn):

Inferior stainless steel like 201 increases manganese content and reduces nickel content to cut costs. In acidic environments, manganese can leach significantly.

Impact: Excessive manganese damages the nervous system. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlLong-term accumulation may lead to "manganese poisoning," manifesting as Parkinson's-like symptoms: tremors, muscle stiffness, and memory loss.

2. Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb):

These are common alloy elements or impurities in stainless steel. In non-compliant products, acidic beverages (e.g., fruit juice, coffee) accelerate the leaching of these heavy metals.

Impact: Nickel allergies (dermatitis, eczema); https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlhexavalent chromium is a potent carcinogen that damages DNA; cadmium and铅 severely harm the kidneys, bones, and nervous system, with strong carcinogenic properties.

Production Standards and Process Requirements:

1. Standards:

Must comply with food-contact stainless steel regulations (e.g., GB 4806.9-2016), such as 304, 316, or 430 stainless steel.

2. Processes:

Welding points must be smooth and free of dead corners. Polishing must use food-grade polishing compounds to avoid heavy metal residue. https://www.zhanyict.com/en/ProductsDetail-VB-10532.htmlVacuum insulation technology for thermos cups must meet industry standards (e.g., thermal efficiency testing).