ERMI results are back

[mama2alex]

We got our ERMI results back today and I'm wondering what it all means. Of course, I will see the doctor soon to discuss and probably call Mycometrics for their opinion, but I wanted to post here and see if anyone has any input.

 

Group I total was 35.47 and Group II total was 25.57. The total score at the bottom was 9.90. Is that high?

 

A few that jumped out from Group I (which I understand to be indoor molds) were Aureobasidium pullulans (210,000), Penicillium brevicompactum (2,100), and Wallemia sebi (2,500). I've only Googled Aureobasidium pullulans so far and it sounds like its related to lung problems. My son has had 6 pneumonias and has asthma, all starting after we moved into this house, so that was interesting.

 

The doctor gave me the name of someone to call to look for the mold, and once I've confirmed that our results are high, I'm planning to call him. Any advice on the best way to proceed from those who've already gone through this?

[JuliaFaith]

The total for Group I are indoor molds. Group II typically outdoor molds (that make their way in the house in various ways). A score of 9.9 is on the higher end of the scale. Did you do any of the HLA tests (blood work)? If you are genetically susceptible to not being able to detox mold very well, a certain dr. recommends, that to heal, your house should be at 2 or below.

 

It is good to know what mold is high per the report, because then you have a better idea where to look for it after researching and finding out where that mold likes to hang out. Our 2 highest indoor molds were Aspergillus restrictus - 670; and Wallemia sebi - 750. The chemist at Mycometrics said that the 670 number was one that he would be concerned about. On our report the Aureobasidium was 1300 (I guess this was our highest), and after researching it I found that it is typically found in laundry rooms/bathroom/calking and causes repiratory irritation. The penicillium brevicompactum was 350 on my test. So your numbers are looking a bit on the high side for sure.

 

We looked and found mold ourselves in a bathroom and kitchen when we remodeled them. The rest of the house has already been remodeled so we did not have a lot of places to look there, although mold can grow within 2 days! Still finding it growing in different places. In our area, we have to be mold vigilanties as it tends to grow anywhere and everywhere. Just found some in the tray under my refrigerator and on the end of new molding that is next to the shower, and a little bit in the downstairs windows. This is after cleaning the house top-to-bottom just a few months ago!

 

It is another thing to deal with but everyone will be healthier once you can get rid of it. Some of the molds cause cancer, kidney failure, and damage to vital organs. Good luck!

Edited January 14, 2012 by JuliaFaith

[Familyof5]

That number is quite high and will cause illness in the 25% of the population with the "mold" HLA gene Julia talks about. Check out this website for more information.

 

www.survivingmold.com

 

Also, is there more than one family member chronically ill? If so, that is a clue that your environment is causing illness. Do you have a forced air heating/conditioning system? If so, it will spread any mold growing in one part of your house throughout your entire house. Do you have mold in your basement? Do you have a finished basement? Where did you have the test taken (bedroom? livivng room?)?

 

If you think mold is your problem you need to find the mold and remove it. Then clean your entire house. Then get treatment for your child.