Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under the Scope", a new section of the
IEQ REVIEW. There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects. If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.comThis week we will cover ... Chaetomium elatum: A rapidly growing fungus that produces a yellow-green colony, within five days, when incubated at 25C (77F). It may produce an earthy odor. It is the most widely distributed
Chaetomium species. It is found worldwide, mainly in the temperate zone. It is found in dead and decaying plant debris, coarse fodder, bird nests and feathers, salt marshes, sewage sludge, and on wood and plywood.
Clinical relevance: Chaetomium spp. may be associated with allergic disease. An opportunistic moniliaceous mold; usually regarded a contaminant
Chaetomium spp. For more information contact Dr. Rajiv R. Sahay(800) 422-7873 ext. 204laboratory@pureaircontrols.com
