The New Method of Mold Testing: ERMI

Typically, inspection, air, and/or tape sampling tests for Mold. Just recently, the restoration industry introduced a new method of mold testing – Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI).

ERMI Origins:

1. The EPA went to 1,096 homes
2. Two 3’x6’ squares were taped off in the middle of the master bedroom floor and on the living room floor,
3. The squares were vacuumed for 5 minutes,
4. The averaged results created ERMI scores from -10 to +20 with less than 0 as ideal.

Unfortunately, the ERMI testing samples are improperly taken due to poor instruction. Laboratories are inadequately sending people “dust collection cloths” (Swiffers) to take ERMI samples. The instructions tell people to wipe the tops of door frames, baseboards, fan blades, and dusty corners until the cloth is visibly dirty. The ERMI scale should not score a dust wipe sample. This method is ineffective.

The ERMI score is a ratio between “good” mold spores and “bad” mold spores. The HEPA vacuum does not know the difference between mold spores, therefore, it sucks all spores. The ratio does not necessarily decrease after the vacuuming, and sometimes it gets worse. The house needs months for dust to gather, which will contain “good” mold before the ERMI score decreases.

Mold-sensitized homeowners must understand how ERMI works. Most people who post ERMI information on online forums are inexperienced and not professionals in mold remediation. Additionally, they are not onsite. Therefore, it is best to consult with a restorer about any ERMI information.

Mold restorers do not consider pre-remediation ERMI scores unless they collected it correctly. Professionals require the homeowner to hire an IEP who is familiar with mold sensitivity, to write a protocol and conduct post-remediation verification (PRV) testing. Finally, the mold restorer should not agree to ERMI being part of the PRV. They are two different tests.

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