New substances: notification and assessment 16908 and 16909
What is it?
- Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 are naturally occurring bacteria that were environmentally isolated from the Mauricie Region in Quebec in 2002. The precise species name is not disclosed at the request of the company.
- Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 belong to a ubiquitous species of bacterium that is commonly found in water, air, and soil.
- Strains 06 and 03 were selected for their ability to degrade organic residues and to outcompete odour-producing bacteria.
How is it used?
- Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 will be used as components of commercial and industrial products dedicated to waste degradation and odour-control.
- Areas where the products may be used include septic tanks, grease traps, refuse containers, garbage trucks, compactors, bathrooms and wastewater of agri-food industries.
Why did the Government of Canada assess it?
- A micro-organism produced through the application of science and engineering that is not listed on the Domestic Substances List (DSL) and that is not subject to federal legislation listed in Schedule 4 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), is considered “new”. Before it is manufactured in or imported into Canada, the Government of Canada must assess its potential to harm human health and the environment under the New Substances Notifications Regulations (Organisms), as required by Section 106 of CEPA. Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 are not on the DSL.
- The Government of Canada conducted assessments of Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 because Choisy Laboratories Ltd submitted notifications of its intention to manufacture these new micro-organisms in Canada for use in products for waste degradation and odour-control.
- These assessments were conducted under the New Substances Notifications Regulations (Organisms), as required by Section 106 of CEPA.
How is it released to the environment?
- Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 will only be incorporated into the manufacturer’s products for commercial and industrial cleaning, degreasing and odour-control.
- Product usage will only be at specific sites and only when required.
How are Canadians exposed to it?
- Based on the intended use in commercial and industrial applications, the general population in Canada is not expected to be significantly exposed to Bacillus species strains 06 and 03. Individuals using products containing these strains may be exposed to a limited extent.
What are the results of the assessment?
- The Government of Canada has conducted science-based risk assessments of Bacillus species strains 06 and 03.
- Risk assessments address potential for harm to the general population in Canada (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
- Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 are not known to cause disease in healthy humans, animals or plants.
- Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 are therefore not considered to be harmful to human health or the environment for the intended use, and the Government of Canada has concluded that Bacillus species strains 06 and 03 are not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment or humans.
What is the Government of Canada doing?
- Based on the conclusions of the risk assessments, the Government of Canada will take no further action on Bacillus species strains 06 and 03.
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