How do I get an ERMI test?
The Environmental Relative Mold Index or ERMI was developed by the US Government Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to describe the mold content of an environment. It is a standardized measurement so that results can be compared.
The ERMI compares the content of good mold versus bad mold in the sample and gives you a number based on the ratio of good to bad mold. The scale runs from excellent at -10 to very bad at 20+. 0 is the 50th percentile for good versus bad mold. If you are mold susceptible you will need to live and work in an environment with a mold rating of 2 or less. If you have been exposed excessively and are very ill, you may not be able to tolerate a mold rating higher than -1. Your lab tests which we will address later will tell you your mold tolerance.
But, first things first. You need to find out the mold rating of your living environment and your work environment if applicable. To do this you will need to order an ERMI collection kit from an ERMI test lab. The test kit will either be for carpet (collected using a vacuum with a hose) or for tile and wood (using a collection cloth.) When you order your test kit you will let the lab know which kind of kit you need based on the environment that you are testing.
When you get your test kit, carefully follow the collection instructions so that your dust sample matches standard collection procedures. For example, do not vacuum longer than required or wipe more surfaces than prescribed because you do not want to skew your ERMI test results.
When collection is complete, send your sample to the lab for analysis. They will analyze the DNA present in the dust sample and send you a report telling you what kinds of mold you have in your environment. They will also tell you your ERMI rating.
An excellent lab is Mycometrics. They can be reached at: 732-355-9018 Their cost is around $280 US.
Their address is: Mycometrics LLC, 9 Deer Park Drive, Suite K-18, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Their website is: www.mycometrics.com
Air sampling tests can tell you the quantities present, but for you, those figures are meaningless. Large amounts of benign molds will not bother you while small amounts of dangerous molds will adversely impact your health. You need to know what types of mold are present, not just the quantities. The ERMI test which uses DNA to identify the types of mold present in the sample is the only way to ascertain if your environment is safe for a mold-susceptible person.
The ERMI compares the content of good mold versus bad mold in the sample and gives you a number based on the ratio of good to bad mold. The scale runs from excellent at -10 to very bad at 20+. 0 is the 50th percentile for good versus bad mold. If you are mold susceptible you will need to live and work in an environment with a mold rating of 2 or less. If you have been exposed excessively and are very ill, you may not be able to tolerate a mold rating higher than -1. Your lab tests which we will address later will tell you your mold tolerance.
But, first things first. You need to find out the mold rating of your living environment and your work environment if applicable. To do this you will need to order an ERMI collection kit from an ERMI test lab. The test kit will either be for carpet (collected using a vacuum with a hose) or for tile and wood (using a collection cloth.) When you order your test kit you will let the lab know which kind of kit you need based on the environment that you are testing.
When you get your test kit, carefully follow the collection instructions so that your dust sample matches standard collection procedures. For example, do not vacuum longer than required or wipe more surfaces than prescribed because you do not want to skew your ERMI test results.
When collection is complete, send your sample to the lab for analysis. They will analyze the DNA present in the dust sample and send you a report telling you what kinds of mold you have in your environment. They will also tell you your ERMI rating.
An excellent lab is Mycometrics. They can be reached at: 732-355-9018 Their cost is around $280 US.
Their address is: Mycometrics LLC, 9 Deer Park Drive, Suite K-18, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Their website is: www.mycometrics.com
Air sampling tests can tell you the quantities present, but for you, those figures are meaningless. Large amounts of benign molds will not bother you while small amounts of dangerous molds will adversely impact your health. You need to know what types of mold are present, not just the quantities. The ERMI test which uses DNA to identify the types of mold present in the sample is the only way to ascertain if your environment is safe for a mold-susceptible person.
Forms for ordering an ERMI (or HERTSMI) from Mycometrics
mycometrics.com/
TIP: You can use a flat, unscented "Swiffer Sweeper" cloth to collect a dust sample from tile or wood surfaces in lieu of the Mycometrics electrostatic cloth. Be sure to seal it in a "Ziplock" type bag when you send it to Mycometrics.
TIP: You can use a flat, unscented "Swiffer Sweeper" cloth to collect a dust sample from tile or wood surfaces in lieu of the Mycometrics electrostatic cloth. Be sure to seal it in a "Ziplock" type bag when you send it to Mycometrics.
ERMI/HERTSMI Instructions
| ermi_to_our_valued_customers_rev01.1_160523.pdf |
ERMI/HERTSMI Collection
| ermi-cloth-instructions_rev04.1_160523.pdf |
ERMI/HERTSMI Chain of Custody Form
| coc_ermi_rev14_160523__form_.pdf |
ERMI/HERTSMI Payment Form
| 285_150_sample_analysis_payment_form_rev01.1_160523.pdf |
Here is what you need to do an ERMI or HERTSMI test.
* Photo is aspergillus mold under a microscope.
