Testing for Mold

It’s so important to have clean air. It’s especially important if yoh have CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). Mold is not always visible and is often not missed by air samples. When testing for mold, I use the ERMI swiffer dust test as an initial screening to see if mold is present. ERMI is provided by Envirobiomics or Mycometrics and can be ordered directly off their website (instructions are provided with the test). It is important to only swab one month’s worth of mold. If the logs are greater than 25, or if really bad molds such as Stachybotrys (black mold) show up, I then find a nearby IEP (indoor environmental professional) using the ISEAI search engine to come inspect, do further testing, and advise on remediation strategy.

Sometimes, it makes more sense to sell a home/rent elsewhere than do remediation. Unfortunately, in cases of moderate to severe mold, remediation is only successful half the time!

For someone with CIRS, standard mold remediation is not adequate. Covering up, sealing off (“encapsulating”), or painting over mold does not work. It must be removed, the home must be fogged, and belongings must be sorted/discarded/properly cleaned. I recommend working with someone who is knowledgeable about CIRS and how mold impacts health—not just the building.