Mold Inspection & Testing

ERMI Panel

ERMI: Environmental Relative Moldiness Index

What Is ERMI?

ERMI is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index – the combination of EPA research, powerful PCR technology, and a new method to screen homes for mold.

Based on recently published data from EPA researchers and the 2006 HUD American Healthy Home Survey, the test has been developed as a tool to evaluate the potential risk of indoor mold growth and associated health effects.

How Does ERMI Work?

The ERMI Panel involves the analysis of a single sample of dust from a home. The sample is analyzed using mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR), a highly specific DNA-based method for quantifying mold species. A simple algorithm is used to calculate a ratio of water damage-related species to common indoor molds and the resulting score is called the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index or ERMI. The ERMI value is typically between -10 and 20.

National Relative Moldiness Index Values


In order to most effectively use this new tool, the ERMI must be compared to a national database. Indices were determined using this method for 1,096 homes across the U.S. as part of the 2006 HUD American Healthy Home Survey. Individual indices, ranked from lowest to highest were used to create a national Relative Moldiness Index (RMI) Scale.

How Was ERMI Developed?

In initial studies by the EPA, the concentrations of different mold species in "moldy homes" (homes with visible mold growth or a history of water damage) and "reference homes" (homes with no visible mold) were compared. Based on those results, mold species were selected and grouped into those with higher concentrations in moldy homes (group 1) and those with lower concentrations (group 2). To calculate the ERMI, all concentrations are log-transformed and the sum of group 2 is subtracted from the sum of group 1.

What Are The Advantages of ERMI Testing?

In addition to the simplicity of taking only one sample, the ERMI offers several advantages over traditional mold screening methods. Carpet dust acts as a reservoir for mold spores and is more representative of mold levels over time versus short-term air samples. The use of MSQPCR for this test allows for increased precision as it is based on a biochemical assay using calibrated instrumentation. Further research is being conducted and published that will link the ERMI assessing health risks for susceptible individuals. This information along with the national database will be invaluable in providing an objective and standardized method for screening homes for mold.

Additional FAQs About ERMI

When Should I Use The ERMI Panel Test?
The ERMI Panel can be used for evaluating "moldiness" in indoor environments. Molds are found in every home but not all molds are always present.

• The ERMI helps make an assessment if a home is more or less likely to have "unhealthy" mold conditions.
• Occupants highly sensitive to molds or who have Asthma should consider using the ERMI to evaluate their indoor environment.
• Home buyers can use this tool to predict if their new home is likely to have a history of water damage.
  

How Do I Use ERMI?
The ERMI allows you to compare the amount and types of mold found in your home to a thousand other homes found on a national database.

For more detailed information on our ERMI Sampling Methods

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