ERMI: Environmental Relative Moldiness Index and ERMI Testing Services

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.

Disclaimer: The EPA licensed this test to laboratories including EMLab P&K. However, the transfer of this technology under the Federal Technology Transfer Act cannot be used to make any claims suggesting that the ERMI is an EPA-approved or validated test. (Source: EPA, Office of Inspector General: Public May Be Making Indoor Mold Cleanup Decisions Based on EPA Tool Developed Only for Research Applications).

How Does ERMI Work?

The ERMI test 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 Test?
The ERMI test 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 to make an assessment if a home is more or less likely to have "unhealthy" mold conditions. Especially residents sensitive to molds should consider using the ERMI to evaluate their indoor environment. Also 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 customer's home with a thousand other homes found on a national database. The customer sees how moldy their home is relative to other homes throughout the U.S.

Where Do I Start?
Download ERMI sampling instructions (pdf), and purchase tools and supplies for collecting carpet dust samples (see below). Contact EMLab P&K if you have questions.

ERMI-related Equipment and Supplies

HEPA EmDust Vacuum System
		Have peace of mind when sampling for Indoor Air Quality contaminants. This vacuum system offers true HEPA protection with its 99.7% efficient filter that captures particles as small as 0.12µm.

DustChek™ Dust Sampling Cassettes
		The DustChek™ provides an efficient and effortless way to collect dust samples for multiple analyses. This small apparatus can be used with the EmDust Vacuum System or any standard vacuum cleaner with removable hose attachments. This equipment meets IESO standards for dust sampling.

ERMI Sample Report (pdf)