ERMI stands for “Environmental Relative Moldiness Index,” and it was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically by the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Initially developed as a research instrument, ERMI serves the purpose of investigating the presence of mold contamination within residential properties. The EPA designed this testing method as a ranking system that relies on the analysis of dust samples taken from homes. The primary aim of ERMI is to provide an estimation of the likelihood of mold growth within indoor environments.
Utilizing the collected dust samples, ERMI assigns a numerical value to each sample based on its mold content. By calculating the average of these values, the test generates an ERMI score. This score is subsequently employed as a predictive tool to assess the potential risk of indoor mold proliferation and the associated health implications for the occupants of a given space. In essence, ERMI offers insights into the moldiness of homes, assisting in making informed decisions about mold prevention and addressing potential health concerns related to indoor mold exposure.
The ERMI is a DNA based method of testing, using mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR), that identifies and quantifies 36 molds and calculates an index number for comparison with a database of reference homes.
The ERMI methodology involves analyzing accumulated dust within homes and buildings to ascertain the levels of DNA from various mold species present.
To compare with molds detected in HERTSMI-2 and FUNGITEN visit LISBT_List of Molds
For more information go to: qPCR Services