Pseudomonas fluorescens (Strain ATCC 13525)

ATCC 13525

What is it?

• Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ATCC 13525 is a bacterium that could have a number of industrial, commercial, and consumer uses.
• ATCC 13525 has characteristics in common with other strains of the species Pseudomonas fluorescens, which are found in nature.

How is it used?

• Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 is currently used in Canada for a variety of applications.
• The characteristics of Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 make it suitable for use in enzyme and chemical production, pulp and paper and textile processing, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, waste degradation (particularly in petroleum refineries), bioremediation and biodegradation, as well as in commercial and household drain cleaners and degreasers, septic tank additives and general cleaning and odour-control products.

Why is the Government of Canada assessing 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 are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada may be exposed to Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 from the use of consumer or commercial products containing this strain, and to a lesser extent from environmental media.

How is it released to the environment?

• Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 may be released to the Canadian environment from its deliberate addition to consumer or commercial products or its use in industrial processes in Canada.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525, 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).
• Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 is not considered to be harmful to the environment or to health of the general population at current levels of exposure in Canada.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment and human health in Canada.
• Nevertheless, susceptible humans with compromised immunity, or those exposed to Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 through contaminated medical devices or blood products could be at risk of infection.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Although current exposures are not of concern to the general population of Canada, the Government of Canada is taking action to limit the potential for future exposure.
• The Final Screening Assessment for Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 was published on February 14, 2015.
• Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 has been addressed through the application of Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions. An Order has been published. For additional guidance on submitting information required as part of SNAc notifications, please see the Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Organisms.
  • Order amending the Domestic Substances List: Canada Gazette, Part II: Vol. 150, No. 14 – July 13, 2016 (PDF version – 5,131 K).

What can Canadians do?

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