style samples using a Swiffer style dust
collection cloth. The user is told to wipe a vari-
ety of surfaces, such as doorjambs and refrig-
erator tops, until they see a visible accumulation
of dust/debris on the cloth. Little, if any, em-
phasis is placed on recording specific locations
where the cloth is wiped or carefully measuring
the surface area being sampled.
Despite this complete abandonment of the EPA
recommended sample collection process, the
results are calculated and interpreted as if it
were a real ERMI sample. The EPA Inspector
General was restrained in their assessment
of this problem when their report noted "[i]f
mold samples are not collected in accordance
with the sampling procedures used to develop
the ERMI, the results would be of questionable
value."
The problem is obvious; individuals are collect-
ing samples using one method and comparing
the results to a table that was designed using
samples collected with a different method.
There may be a correlating factor but no one
has validated it yet, especially since the original
sample collection method has not yet been
validated!
Overall, it does not mean that the results are
useless, but it does mean that individuals have
to be more cautious in interpreting the results.
Quite bluntly, there is ample evidence to sug-
gest that a laboratory is doing a disservice to
the industry encouraging Swiffer style samples
without warning people of some of these diffi-
culties.
Still More Concerns With ERMI For Post Re-
mediation Purposes As noted at the beginning
of this article, the ERMI sampling process was
originally
designed to objectively determine the "mold
burden" of a home. The next issue will continue
Healthy Indoors 31
with some additional information explaining
some of the difficulties trying to use a tool de-
signed to estimate a long-term mold burden to
evaluate the effectiveness of mold removal and
clean-up activities.
Share YOUR comments on our LinkedIn
discussion by clicking the button below!
About the Author
Michael A. Pinto currently serves as Chief Executive
Officer of Wonder Makers Environmental, Inc. He is
a nationally recognized expert in the areas of indoor
air quality and biological contamination. His
certifications include Certified Safety Professional
(CSP) and Certified Mold Professional (CMP). Mi-
chael is the author of three books, including
Fungal Contamination: A Comprehensive Guide for
Remediation, over 114 technical articles, and 18
commercial training programs. He can be reached
at 269-382-4154 or map@wondermakers.com.
