Bacillus megaterium - information sheet

Strain ATCC 14581

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Overview

  • The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation of Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and the environment.
  • Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people or to the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
  • In the case of Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581, the organism is not hazardous to human health or the environment; and exposure to the environment and Canadians is medium. Therefore, it is concluded that Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is not harmful to human health or to the environment.

About this organism

  • This screening assessment focuses on the organism Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581. This Priority B (medium hazard) organism was assessed as part of the micro-organisms initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
  • Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is a bacteria that could have a number of consumer, commercial and industrial uses. The characteristics of Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 make it suitable for use in various applications, including wastewater treatment, bioremediation and biodegradation, cleaning and deodorizing, drain and septic treatment as well as enzyme and chemical production.
  • Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is currently used in Canada for a variety of consumer, commercial and industrial applications.

Exposure of Canadians and the environment

  • Canadians may be exposed to Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 from the use of consumer or commercial products containing this strain, and to a lesser extent from environmental media.
  • Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 may be released to the Canadian environment from its deliberate addition to consumer or commercial products or its use in industrial processes in Canada.
  • Releases are expected to be from its use in water and wastewater treatment, cleaning products, drain cleaning and degreasing products, biodegradation and bioremediation applications.

Key health and ecological effects (hazard)

  • There is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is likely to have adverse effects on human health. In humans, Bacillus megaterium is generally considered to be non-pathogenic, and is rarely isolated as an opportunistic pathogen in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. A single report of a skin infection in a healthy individiual has been reported. It was treated successfully with antibiotics.
  • In the unlikely event of infection, Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is sensitive a variety of antibiotics.
  • There is no conclusive evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is likely to have adverse effects on the environment. There is no evidence that Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 has adversely affected terrestrial invertebrates at the population level.
  • However, in the context of experimental investigations into their biocontrol potential, some strains of Bacillus megaterium have shown pathogenic potential towards some insects and nematodes when directly inoculated with high concentrations.

Risk assessment outcomes

  • Considering all information presented in this assessment, the risk to human health from Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is low.
  • Also, considering all information presented, there is low risk of harm to organisms and the broader integrity of the environment from Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581.
  • The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Bacillus Megaterium Strain ATCC 14581 on February 24, 2018.

Screening assessment conclusions

  • As a result of this screening assessment, the Government concluded that Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
  • The Government also concluded that Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

Preventive actions and reducing risk

  • The Government proposes that no further action under CEPA 1999 be taken on this organism in regards to potential risk to Canadians and to the environment.

Important to know

  • Bacillus megaterium strain ATCC 14581 can be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions on product labels and dispose of products responsibly.

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