Guide Note: The Nalgene company, a maker of laboratory products, began offering a line of consumer water bottles in the 1970s. The bottles are stain- and odor-resistant and designed to fit accessories (such as water purifiers), and are intended to be environmentally friendly Animal testing controversy: In 1997, animal-rights advocates launched a boycott of Nalgene products because the company manufactures devices used in animal testing. The company responded by affirming a commitment to the federal Animal Welfare Act. Alleged toxicity: The polycarbonate plastic from which the bottles are made has been shown to exude small amounts of chemicals including Bisphenol A, a substance possibly harmful to the human endocrine system. Canadian ban and product recall: On April 18, 2008, the Canadian government released a statement saying that Bisphenol A "endangers people — particularly newborns and infants — and the environment," and began procedures to limit the sale of plastics that can exude the substance.

Nalgene had previously announced that it would phase out the use of polycarbonate plastics in its consumer products intended to hold potable fluids. On April 18, the company announced a recall of some of its polycarbonate-based products. Fast Facts:

1. Toxicity controversy highlighted on The Oprah Winfrey Show
2. Chemical industry denies any human health risk
3. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has criticized the FDA for approving Bisphenol A
4. Polycarbonate plastics are extremely common, and are found in items such as CDs
5. Nalgene's 'Everyday' line of water bottles is already free of polycarbonate plastics