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What is Ermi testing?
An ERMI test, or Environmental Relative Moldiness Index test, is a DNA-based method used to evaluate mold contamination in a home or building. Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a research tool, it analyzes settled dust samples using advanced DNA technology (quantitative PCR) to identify and quantify specific mold species
How does ERMI testing work?
Dust Collection: You or an inspector gather settled dust from surfaces or carpets using a specialized vacuum cassette or electrostatic cloth.
DNA Analysis (MSQPCR): The sample goes to a laboratory where technicians measure the DNA concentration of 36 different mold species.
Two Mold Groups: The test splits molds into Group 1 (26 species linked to water-damaged buildings) and Group 2 (10 common background mold species).
The ERMI Score: The lab subtracts the Group 2 total from the Group 1 total to yield a final index score (typically ranging from -10 to 20) that reflects the relative accumulation of water-damage molds.