Chaetomium is a cellulolytic mould commonly found in soil, air, and decaying plant material. There are several species of Chaetomium. The most common ones are Chaetomium atrobrunneum, Chaetomium funicola, Chaetomium globosum, and Chaetomium murorum. In indoor environment the most common species of Chaetomium is Chaetomium globosum. Presence of Chaetomium species in indoor environment is a sign of serious water problem. Chaetomium may occur together with other water-loving moulds such Fusarium, Stachybotrys and Ulocladium. Species of Chaetomium are known to produce mycotoxins but to what extent these toxins contribute to poor indoor air quality or affect human health is not documented. In the medical literature some species have been reported to cause disease in immuno-compromised individuals.


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