Research Document 2019/005

Canadian Environmental Protection Act Indirect Human Health Assessment Report on Gymnocorymbus ternetzi BT2018, OT2018, PiT2018, PuT2018, and RT2018

By Ali, K. and Dugan, S.

Abstract

An indirect human health risk assessment was conducted on five lines of genetically modified Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (BT2018, OT2018, PiT2018, PuT2018, and RT2018) that were notified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This risk assessment examined the potential for the five notified lines to cause harmful effects to humans in Canada relative to wild-type G. ternetzi as a consequence of environmental exposure, including exposure in natural environments and environments under its intended use (i.e., home aquaria). BT2018, OT2018, PiT2018, PuT2018, and RT2018 are modified lines of diploid, hemizygous or homozygous, regular- or long-fin Black Skirt Tetra, containing genes encoding fluorescent proteins of different colours. The five notified lines which appear their respective colours under ambient light, including sunlight, will be imported from the United States for use as ornamental fish in home aquaria. The notified lines have been commercially marketed as aquarium fish throughout the United States except California since 2013 (OT2018, PiT2018, and PuT2018) and 2014 (BT2018 and RT2018), and in California since 2015 without any reported incidents. The parental strain, G. ternetzi, has been available as a home aquarium fish since the 1950s. There is no evidence to suggest a risk of adverse human health effects at the exposure levels predicted for the general Canadian population from use of any of the five notified lines as ornamental aquarium fish as well as other identified potential uses. As such, there is no expectation that the notified organisms pose any more risks to human health than wild-type G. ternetzi.

Research Document 2019/005 (PDF, 406 KB)

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