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Btk and Human Health

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Resources on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) and Human Health

Btk has been used in forestry and agriculture for over 70 years and has been shown to have an excellent safety record. Public health officials across the U.S. and Canada periodically review research on Btk and have found there is very low risk to human health. Their conclusions are reported on the websites listed below.
 


In April 2016, the Washington State Department of Health reviewed the contents of Foray 48B, the formulated product that WSDA typically uses in Btk applications. After reviewing the product ingredients, they concluded:

{In addition to Btk} "The other ingredients are water, food substances, and approved food additives including small amounts of preservatives to keep harmful mold and bacteria from growing. A Department of Health toxicologist has reviewed the full ingredient list and concluded it poses very low concern for health.

Most people already have regular exposure to all these ingredients in natural and processed food, beverages, and their cosmetics. According to the company, there is no wheat or gluten among the food substances."

Public Health - Seattle & King County website Btk and Human Health

King County Health reports that Btk is not considered toxic for people, animals, birds, fish, and other insects such as bees and ladybugs.
 

Washington State Department of Health website on "Health Information on Spongy Moth
Control Products and Method"

DOH concluded that Btk is not considered a human pathogen. Human infections have been looked for but not seen in several large studies of people who lived in sprayed areas.
 

Oregon Department of Human Health - Btk Factsheet

ODHH includes a review on the scientific literature on Btk health effects. They conclude that it is unlikely that indirect exposure to Btk will result in adverse health effects in non-target organisms, including people. After a thorough review of the toxicity of Btk products, including both active and inert ingredients, the U.S. EPA, Health Canada, the World Health Organization, and many other groups categorize Bacillus thuringiensis as a least toxic method of pest control.
 

Vancouver Island (British Columbia) Health Authority

A human health study was conducted on residents of southern Vancouver Island following a spray of Btk. This study concluded "no short-term health effects were detected in the general adult population or in hospital emergency room visits".
 

Information on Btk (Dr. Brad White, WSDA Plant Protection Assistant Director)

General information on Btk and its use by WSDA.
 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Registration Eligibility Decision (RED) Fact Sheet on Btk products.