FAQ For ERMI & Chinese Drywall
Q. How is ERMI different from “air testing” for molds?
A. Standard air tests look for mold spores in the air and do not provide
the accuracy and detail that ERMI-DNA provides. Also most molds will
only stay in the air for several hours before settling to the floor
and other surfaces. The ERMI method does not sample the air but the
dust in your property that harbors the settled mold spores.
Q. Who developed the ERMI-DNA test?
A. The United States Environmental Protection Agency
Q. How long does it take for an inspector to collect ERMI samples?
A. In most cases it will take less than 30 minutes.
Q. How long does it take for the ERMI-DNA test results?
A. 5-7 days from the time the laboratory receives the sample.
Q. Are my test results confidential?
A. All test results are confidential to our clients
Q. I have COPD, is this the right test for me?
A. Your physician is the best judge but individuals with COPD may be
susceptible to various molds that if present will be revealed by the
ERMI-DNA test.
Q. Does the ERMI result have a standard for comparison?
A. The ERMI test comes with a score that compares your property with
an EPA database of 1100 homes. Your ERMI score if in the normal range
will provide you with the confidence you require.
Chinese Drywall:
Q. I have been reading about Chinese Drywall in homes, it this really
a problem?
A. Tens of thousands of homes built since 2001 have all or partial
Chinese made Drywall. In many cases the homes develop sulfur odors
and copper in the air condition system and other plumbing or electrical
systems begins to corrode and pit resulting in system failures.
Q. Does Chinese Drywall have any health consequences?
A. While the state and Federal agencies have not yet made the link
to health, many homeowners are reporting mild to serious health effects.
Q. How do I know if I have Chinese Drywall?
A. An inspection of the property that addresses odors, blackening of
copper plumbing and electrical components, areas of drywall with the
name KNAUF or other words or numbers linked to Chinese Drywall and
physical samples of suspect drywall sent to an accredited laboratory
for testing will provide you with definitive information.
Q. How long does an inspection take?
A. In most cases the inspection will take less than one hour
Q. How long will I have to wait for results?
A. Ten Days to Two weeks for a report that includes laboratory documentation.
Q. If I have Chinese Drywall what do I do?
A. That is a question between you and your builder or insurance company.
Some people have relief by lowering their indoor humidity levels to
between 30-35% which slows down the movement of sulfur from the drywall
into the home.