Microbial-based cleaning products in use and the potential role of transgenic micro-organisms

This chapter provides a survey of the currently known uses of micro-organisms in different types of cleaning products based on searches conducted of publicly available information sources such as the scientific literature, patent databases and commercial websites. Examples of microbial species known to be used in different types of cleaning applications will also be given as well as potential human health and environmental issues associated with their use. A brief summary of Canadian regulatory experiences with these products, in particular those of the New Substances Program of Health Canada and Environment Canada, will be provided as well.