SodaStreams have become a popular household item for those who love sparkling water. They offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to enjoy fizzy drinks without the need for single-use plastic bottles. But with their growing popularity, an important question has arisen: Do these machines pose a risk of lead contamination?
Our Testing Process for Sodastreams
As part of our commitment to ensuring that your home environment is free from harmful lead exposure, we recently conducted a series of tests on SodaStream machines, specifically focusing on their CO2 cylinders and the carbonated water they produce.
Testing the CO2 Cylinder
Our first focus was on the SodaStream CO2 cylinder, which is essential for carbonating your water. Using the Fluoro-Spec lead detection tool, we found that the brass top piece of the cylinder did indeed contain a relatively high level of lead, about 20,000 ppm. This result was evident when the cylinder emitted a distinctive glow under the test.
Lead is commonly found in brass at these levels, as it makes the material softer and easier to shape. In this case, the lead is present in the valve at the top of the CO2 canister.
While this might sound alarming, it's important to consider how the product is used. The lead was detected on the surface of the valve, not in the water. So, unless you're engaging in risky use of the cylinder, like tampering with or ingesting parts of it, the lead present on the brass component may not pose a significant risk. The Sodastream CO2 canister does have a California prop 65 notice.
Is the Carbonated Water Safe?
To ensure the safety of the carbonated water itself, we tested water carbonated with various SodaStream products. The good news is that none of the carbonated water samples showed any detectable lead levels when tested with our spectrometer. This means that under normal use, the water produced by SodaStream machines is free from lead contamination.
We even went a step further by spraying a significant amount of the gas directly into a filter. When we washed the filter with acidified water, no lead was detected. As a final test, we spiked one of the samples with lead and successfully recovered 5.09 ppb of the expected 5 ppb, showing that our testing process is accurate, even with low-cost measuring tools.
Final Thoughts: Safe for Normal Use- Sodastreams Do Not Spew Lead!
Our tests show that while the CO2 cylinder does contain lead, it does not transfer to the water you're drinking. As long as you use your SodaStream as intended—following the manufacturer’s instructions and avoiding any misuse—the risk of lead exposure is minimal.
So, do SodaStreams spew lead? The answer is no. When used properly, SodaStreams are safe and do not introduce lead into your carbonated water.
If you're still concerned about potential lead exposure in your home, it’s a good idea to screen your items with Fluoro-Spec.
Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy your sparkling water!
Lastly, if you have any other recommendations for testing, we welcome your suggestions. There is so much nuance to lead exposure, and we believe everyone deserves to have a full understanding of all aspects of it. Comment on the blog for any suggestions and join the food list for more information on lead in foods.
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