Chaetomium globosum - information sheet

Strain ATCC 6205

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation of Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and the environment.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people or to the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
- More information on assessing risk can be found in the Framework for Science-Based Risk Assessment of Micro-Organisms Regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
In the case of Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205, the organism is not hazardous to human health or the environment; and exposure to the environment and Canadians is medium. Therefore, it is concluded that Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is not harmful to human health or to the environment.

This screening assessment focuses on the organism Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205. This Priority B (medium hazard) organism was assessed as part of the micro-organisms initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is a fungus that could have a number of consumer, commercial and industrial uses. The characteristics of Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 make it suitable for use in various applications, including biocontrol, plant growth promotion, biodegradation, water and wastewater treatment, drain cleaning and degreasing, and production of enzymes.
Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is currently used in Canada for biodegradation, and research and development.

Canadians may be exposed to Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 from the use of consumer or commercial products containing this strain, and to a lesser extent from environmental media.
Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 may be released to the Canadian environment from its deliberate addition to consumer or commercial products or its use in industrial processes in Canada.
Releases are expected to be from its use in biodegradation.

There is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is likely to have adverse effects on human health. In humans, Chaetomium globosum is generally considered to be non-pathogenic, and is rarely isolated in individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Chaetomium globosum has been implicated in nail and skin infections in otherwise healthy patients, often with a history of recent trauma to nail or skin as a predisposing factor.
In the unlikely event of infection Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is sensitive a variety of antifungal agents.
Testing of Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 indicated that it produces low levels of mycotoxins relative to other Chaetomium globosum strains.
There is no conclusive evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is likely to have adverse effects on the environment or that it has adversely affected any terrestrial or aquatic species at the population level.

Considering all information presented in this assessment, the risk to human health from Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is low.
Also, considering all information presented, there is low risk of harm to organisms and the broader integrity of the environment from Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Chaetomium Globosum Strain ATCC 6205 on February 24, 2018.

As a result of this screening assessment, the Government concluded that Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
The Government also concluded that Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

The Government proposes that no further action under CEPA 1999 be taken on this organism in regards to potential risk to Canadians and to the environment.

Chaetomium globosum strain ATCC 6205 can be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions on product labels and dispose of products responsibly.

2018-06-20