Indirect Human Health Risk Assessment of the GloFish® Moonrise Pink® Betta (PiBS2019), GloFish® Sunburst Orange® Betta (OBS2019) and the GloFish® Electric Green® Betta (GBS2019) for use as ornamental aquarium fish in Canada

Abstract

An indirect human health risk assessment was conducted on three lines of genetically modified Bettas (Betta splendens) known as the GloFish® Moonrise Pink® Betta (PiBS2019), GloFish® Sunburst Orange® Betta (OBS2019), and GloFish® Electric Green® Betta (GBS2019) that were notified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). PiBS2019, OBS2019, and GBS2019 are modified lines of diploid, hemizygous or homozygous, Bettas, containing genes encoding for different fluorescent proteins. PiBS2019, OBS2019, and GBS2019, which under ambient light (including sunlight) appear pink, orange, or green, respectively, will be imported from the United States for use as ornamental fish in home aquaria. This risk assessment examined the potential for the three lines to cause harmful effects to humans in Canada relative to wild-type Bettas as a consequence of environmental exposure including from their intended use in home aquaria. The parental strain, B. splendens, has been available as a home aquarium fish since the 1930s. 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 PiBS2019, OBS2019, and GBS2019 as ornamental aquarium fish as well as other identified potential uses. As such, there is no expectation that PiBS2019, OBS2019, and GBS2019 pose any more risks to human health than wild-type B. splendens.