Project 112/SHAD Glossary

Bacillus subtilis var. niger (Bacillus globigii)
Harmless to humans, Bacillus globigii is ubiquitous and found easily in samplings of wind-borne dust. BG is safely used in biological studies as a stand-in for pathogenic bacteria. Bacillus globigii is used as a biological tracer for anthrax because its particle size and dispersal characteristics are similar to those of anthrax. A household bleach-and-water solution easily kills Bacillus globigii. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention place this in Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1), suitable for work involving well-characterized agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adult humans.

Betapropiolactone (b -Propiolactone)
Modern uses for b -propiolactone include vaccines, enzymes, tissue grafts, and surgical instruments; to sterilize blood plasma, water, milk, and nutrient broth; and as a vapor-phase disinfectant in enclosed spaces. Its sporicidal action kills vegetative bacteria, pathogenic fungi, and viruses. The primary routes of potential human exposure to b -propiolactone are inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. There is evidence b -propiolactone is a carcinogen. However, the results of animal testing in mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs are questionable due to a lack of controls in the study. An International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) working group reported no data are available to evaluate the carcinogenicity of b -propiolactone in humans.

Bis (2 ethyl-hexyl) hydrogen phosphate
May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Vapor or mist can be irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract. It can also cause skin irritation. Used as a simulant, it is not carcinogenic and there are no chronic exposure hazards.