What is the ERMI?

The ERMI is an acronym for Environmental Relative Moldiness Index. It was developed by scientists at the USEPA to provide a straightforward, objective, and standardized way to obtain results for indoor air quality investigations.

• 36 different fungi make up the ERMI and are designed as Group I (those found in a typical, water damaged home) and Group II (those commonly found in all homes)

When is ERMI Testing Recommended?

So, as of recent, the EPA came out and is not recommending use of ERMI in homes or other buildings to determine the “health” of the building. ERMI has been peer reviewed for research purposes but has not been validated for non-research purposes. For this reason, EPA does not recommend the routine public use of ERMI in homes, schools, or other buildings.

If you’d like to read more on the EPA’s September 2021 statement about using ERMI tests in buildings, use this link: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/environmental-relative-moldiness-index-ermi

What are the benefits of ERMI?

One of the benefits of ERMI testing is the technology used with the analysis versus regular mold sampling. ERMI uses PCR testing which identifies species of mold down to the cellular level. Regular mold sampling only gets to the genus level.

Example: ERMI mold test identifies Cladosporium sphaerospermum where a typical swab or air sample will only identify it as Cladosporium.

Many mold specialists in the field of health often recommend ERMI testing for their client’s homes due to its scientific nature. We are in the process of trying to educate the pros and cons of this type of test so our clients get what they need for answers. The best course of action is always a thorough inspection and moisture survey of the properly to identify areas of concern or active mold growth. ERMI testing can be used in conjunction with a thorough inspection however there are many limitations and improper ways to collect the samples that could skew the results. Fortunately, at Elite Mold Services, we have many testing options that can help answer health concerns.

What Molds are Included in ERMI Testing?

Group 1 – Water Damage Indicator Molds: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus sclerotiorum, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus unguis, Aspergillus versicolor, Aureobasidium pullulans, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Eurotium (Asp.) amstelodami, Paecilomyces variotii, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium corylophilum, Penicillium crustosum, (Group 2) Penicillium purpurogenum, Penicillium spinulosum, Penicillium variabile, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Scopulariopsis chartarum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Trichoderma viride, Wallemia sebi

Group 2 – Common Indoor Molds: Acremonium strictum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus ustus, Cladosporium cladosporioides -1, Cladosporium cladosporioides -2, Cladosporium herbarum, Epicoccum nigrum, Mucor/Rhizopus, Penicillium chrysogenum-2, Rhizopus stolonifer