Escherichia hermannii (Strain ATCC 700368)

Strain ATCC 700368

What is it?

• Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 is a bacterium that could have a number of industrial uses.
• Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 has characteristics in common with other strains of the species Escherichia hermannii, which are found in nature.

How is it used?

• Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 was not reported to be manufactured in or imported into Canada.
• The characteristics of Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 make it suitable for use in various applications, including biodegradation, bioremediation, and waste and waste water treatment.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, this Priority A (higher hazard) micro-organism on the Domestic Substances List (DSL) must undergo an assessment to determine whether it has the potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. This is done under the Chemicals Management Plan.

How is it released to the environment?

• According to information available to the Government of Canada, Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 is not expected to be released into the Canadian environment.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• According to information available to the Government of Canada, the general population of Canada is not expected to be exposed to Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368, called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population in Canada and to the Canadian environment.
• Hazards related to micro-organisms used in the workplace should be classified accordingly under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
• Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 is not considered to be harmful.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment and human health in Canada.
• Furthermore, foreseeable new activities involving Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 are not expected to cause harm.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The Government of Canada will take no further action on Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368.
• The Final Screening Assessment for Escherichia hermannii strain ATCC 700368 was published on August 1, 2015.

What can Canadians do?

• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions, and to dispose of the products appropriately.