Nalgene Nixes Suspect Chemical

The maker of Nalgene bottles will pull the products from stores over concerns about the health effects of the chemical bisphenol A, Reuters reports. The plastic water bottles, long a favorite of hikers, will be made with BPA-free materials going forward. The move comes despite the chemical industry's assurances that BPA does not harm humans.

Research groups have called for more study into the effects of trace amounts of BPA, and Canada today banned baby bottles that contain the chemical. It is the first country to officially restrict products using BPA, and the ban covers only bottles used by infants and newborns. "It is better to be safe than sorry," said the health minister. (More Nalgene stories.)