ERMI & Mycotoxins
ERMI and Mycotoxin Cleaning and Remediation
Big Easy Restoration is the leading ERMI and Mycotoxin Cleaning and Remediation expert throughout the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, Florida area. Big Easy Restoration works directly with our clients, their Mold Assessor, and their Doctors in order to devise a remediation plan specifically tailored to their ERMI and Mycotoxin Remediation needs.
It is extremely important when contracting a restoration company who understands the best approach to your ERMI and Mycotoxin Cleaning and Remediation. This provides the assurance that your property will be given the proper attention that it deserves, and that your property will be professionally ERMI and Mycotoxin Cleaned and Remediated. Contact Big Easy Restoration today for your customized ERMI and Mycotoxin Cleaning and Remediation
What is ERMI?
The Environmental Relative Moldiness index (ERMI) was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development (ORD) as a research tool to investigate mold contamination in homes. The methodology is based on using mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR) to quantify 36 molds and calculate an index number for comparison with a database of reference homes.
When we say ERMI remediation, we are referring to the process that is used to determine the level of mold present throughout a property. EMRI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) is a type of testing and research tool that assists in investigating mold contamination within a building’s structure. This test is completed by analyzing the dust samples and is a highly specific DNA-based method for determining mold species and produces a score. The ERMI score helps understand the level of biotoxins present throughout the properties indoor environment.
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.
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.
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 testing method in order 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.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi or mold. They can be toxic for humans when they are eaten, absorbed into the skin, or inhaled. A small amount of mycotoxin can be damaging to human or animal health and even cause death. Poisoning by mycotoxins is called mycotoxicosis. Usually, mycotoxins are found in warm and humid conditions.
Big Easy Restoration specializes in everything from large to small residential, commercial and industrial mold, water damage, and disaster restoration restoration projects. There is NO job too big or too small.
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