Research Document 2021/052

Canadian Environmental Protection Act - Indirect Human Health Assessment Report on Danio rerio BZ2019 and PZ2019

By Ali, K. and Dugan, S.

Abstract

An indirect human health risk assessment was conducted on two lines of genetically modified Danio rerio (BZ2019 and PZ2019) that were notified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This risk assessment examined the potential for BZ2019 and PZ2019 to cause harmful effects to humans in Canada relative to wild-type D. rerio as a consequence of environmental exposure, including exposure in natural environments and environments under its intended use (i.e., home aquaria). BZ2019 and PZ2019 are modified lines of diploid, hemizygous or homozygous, Zebrafish, containing genes encoding for fluorescent blue and purple proteins, respectively. BZ2019 and PZ2019, which also appear blue and purple, respectively, 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 2010 (BZ2019) and 2011 (PZ2019), and in California since 2015 without any reported incidents. The parental strain, D. rerio, has been available as a home aquarium fish since the early 1900s. 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 BZ2019 and PZ2019 as ornamental aquarium fish as well as other identified potential uses. As such, there is no expectation that BZ2019 and PZ2019 pose any more risks to human health than wild-type D. rerio.

Research Document 2021/052 (PDF, 576 KB)

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