ERMI is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index – the combination of EPA research, powerful PCR technology, and a new method to screen buildings for mold and other contaminants.
An ERMI test is a composite dust sample test. We cannot tell from these results where the contamination is located or give accurate clean up instructions with this test. The water that caused the mold to grow inside in the first place has to be stopped. If you need to know the location/s of contamination and want direction in clean up, this is not a good choice of testing. If you have an infant and have asthma concerns for that child, this is a great test to have done and share with your child’s trained medical professional.
Based on recently published data from EPA researchers and the 2006 HUD American Healthy Home Survey, this test has been developed as a tool to evaluate the potential risk of indoor mold growth and other biological contaminants and associated health effects. American Air Testing has concerns about the client value this very expensive test actually provides, unless there are health concerns for an infant.
The State of California cites a recent study that showed a correlation between ERMI levels at 1 year of age and developing asthma at 7 years of age (High environmental relative moldiness index during infancy as a predictor of asthma at 7 years of age, Reponen et al). As a concerned, intelligent person reading this, here is the source:
Statement on Building Dampness, Mold, and Health
This report also says the water damage (leaks) have to be stopped. If you choose to assume toxic mold is present without testing and choose a qualified mold remediator to remove the toxic mold, that’s fine. Please strongly consider Post Remediation Validation testing before reconstruction.
