How to Test for Mold: My Experience with ERMI and GOT MOLD Testing
For almost four years, I battled with mysterious health symptoms that seemed to have no clear cause or solution. Chronic fatigue, brain fog, unexplained rashes, and recurring respiratory issues had become my daily symptoms. Despite countless doctor visits, blood tests, and specialist consultations, I wasn’t getting any better. In fact, I seemed to be slowly getting worse.
It wasn’t until I started working with an integrative health practitioner who specialized in chronic, unexplained illnesses that the possibility of mold exposure came up. “Have you ever tested your home for mold?” she asked during one of our sessions. The question caught me off guard. Our home didn’t have visible mold issues, and I had never considered environmental factors as the potential root of my health problems.
I told her that a few months earlier I had picked up some of those DIY mold testing plates from the local hardware store. You know the ones – petri dishes you place around your home to see what grows. After following the instructions and waiting the recommended time, a few spots appeared on some of the plates. But when I showed the results to my then doctor and he said there were no mold issues. But my new practitioner shook her head. “Those tests are notoriously unreliable,” she explained. “They only capture what happens to fall onto the plate and can’t detect hidden mold or identify the specific species – especially the ones most harmful to human health.”
That conversation was the beginning of my mold testing journey, one that would ultimately lead to answers I had been seeking for years. Today, I want to share my personal experience with two mold testing methods that I personally used: the ERMI test and the GOT MOLD Test, and why proper testing for mold might be the missing piece in your health puzzle too.
Why I Decided to Test for Mold Professionally
After learning about the limitations of DIY mold plates, I began researching mold illness more seriously. What I discovered was eye-opening. Many of my symptoms – the cognitive issues, fatigue, respiratory problems, and even some of the unusual rashes – aligned perfectly with what researchers call Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition often triggered by mold exposure.
I also learned that mold doesn’t need to be visible to cause health problems. In fact, some of the most toxic molds can grow hidden within walls, under floors, in crawl spaces, or in HVAC systems without any obvious signs. Our home was only three years old and we live in a dry climate, so I initially dismissed any thought of mold. But when I wasn’t getting any better after years of doctor visits, I opened up to the possibility of mold as the cause of my health issues.
What convinced me to invest in professional testing was also learning that approximately 25% of the population has a genetic predisposition that makes them particularly sensitive to mold toxins. Given my stubborn symptoms and lack of improvement with other interventions, I decided it was time to rule mold in or out as a potential cause.
My Experience with the ERMI Test
After discussing options with my practitioner, I decided to start with the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) test. Developed by the EPA, this comprehensive test analyzes dust samples from your home to identify and quantify 36 different mold species using DNA-based technology. What attracted me to this test was its scientific approach and the detailed information it promised to provide.
The process began when I received my testing kit in the mail. It contained detailed instructions, collection materials, and a pre-paid return envelope. The sampling process involved collecting dust from specific areas of my home – primarily from the living room and bedroom. I used the provided collection tool to gather dust from surfaces above the floor (like the top of door frames) where dust tends to accumulate over time.
What surprised me was how simple the collection process was. It took me less than 30 minutes to collect all the samples needed. After sealing everything according to the instructions, I shipped the samples back to the laboratory and waited anxiously for the results.
About two weeks later, I received a comprehensive report that, at first glance, looked like it was written in a foreign language. There were scientific names of mold species I’d never heard of, numerical values, and an overall ERMI score. My home had scored a “red score” on the ERMI scale, which I later learned was considered elevated and extremely concerning.
The report broke down the mold species into two categories: Group 1 molds (associated with water damage) and Group 2 molds (commonly found outdoors). My home showed elevated levels of several Group 1 molds, including Aspergillus versicolor and Chaetomium globosum, which are known to produce mycotoxins that can affect human health.
While the information was comprehensive, I felt overwhelmed trying to interpret what it all meant for my family’s health and our home. That’s when my practitioner explained that my ERMI score indicated a significant mold burden in our home, particularly concerning because of the specific species identified. She patiently walked me through each section of the report, explaining which mold species were most concerning and why.
What I found most valuable was how she connected the dots between the mold species found in our home and the symptoms I had been experiencing for years. For instance, she explained that Aspergillus versicolor, which was present in high amounts, is known to produce a mycotoxin called sterigmatocystin that can cause neurological symptoms, fatigue, and skin issues – exactly what I had been struggling with.
The practitioner also provided tailored recommendations based on our specific situation. She suggested next steps for mold remediation and even discussed dietary approaches that might help my body detoxify from mold exposure.
Our calls provided clarity and direction that I couldn’t have gained from simply reading the report on my own. The practitioner also offered follow-up support and resources for finding qualified remediation professionals in my area. If you are not currently working with a mold-literate practitioner, I highly recommend looking into one.
Taking Action Based on ERMI Results
Armed with this knowledge, we hired a certified mold remediation company to address the areas of concern. They confirmed mold growth in our crawl space and significant mold issues throughout the home. The remediation process was thorough but disruptive and expensive – costing nearly $20,000 for our medium-sized home. We ended up remediating the home and moving – I had too many negative associations with living in that home and could no longer imagine myself living there, even though the house was now considered “safe.”
During this process, we temporarily relocated to minimize our exposure to disturbed mold spores. While this was inconvenient, the improvement in my health was almost immediate. Within weeks of completing remediation and moving , my brain fog began to lift, my energy improved, and my skin issues started to clear up. For the first time in nearly four years, I felt like I was finally healing.
Trying the GOT MOLD Test for Follow-Up
Six months after moving into our new home, I wanted to verify that our home environment remained safe. This time, I opted for the GOT MOLD Test (also available on Amazon), which was more budget-friendly at that time.
The GOT MOLD Test uses similar DNA-based technology but focuses specifically on detecting the presence of the most common toxic mold species rather than providing the extensive analysis that ERMI does. The sampling process was even simpler than the ERMI test, requiring dust collection from fewer locations.
When the results arrived, I was pleased to find a more straightforward report that was easier to understand without professional interpretation. The test confirmed that most of the problematic mold species were now at acceptable levels and it did confirm that my new home was safe.
What I appreciated about the GOT MOLD Test was its accessibility – both in terms of cost and ease of interpretation. While not as comprehensive as the ERMI, it still gave me valuable information about whether the most problematic mold species were present in my home. It was perfect for a follow-up test when I already had some background knowledge about mold testing.
Comparing ERMI and GOT MOLD Testing
Based on my experience with both tests, I found that each has its place depending on your specific needs:
The ERMI test is ideal for:
- Initial comprehensive assessment when you suspect mold issues
- Situations where you need detailed information about numerous mold species
- Cases where you have unexplained health issues that might be related to mold
- When you plan to work with a health practitioner who can interpret the results
The GOT MOLD Test works well for:
- Follow-up testing after remediation
- Budget-conscious testing when you’re primarily concerned about the most common toxic molds
- Situations where you need a simpler, more straightforward result
- Preliminary screening before deciding if more comprehensive testing is needed
The Importance of Testing for Mold
My journey with mold testing taught me that knowing what’s in your environment is the first crucial step toward creating a healthier home. Mold exposure can cause various health issues, from allergic reactions to more serious respiratory problems, cognitive issues, and even neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals.
What makes mold particularly concerning is that it’s not always visible. It can grow behind walls, under floors, in HVAC systems, and other hidden areas. By the time you see visible mold or smell that musty odor, the problem may already be significant.
Additionally, not all mold is created equal. While some types are relatively harmless, others produce mycotoxins that can have serious health effects. Without testing, you simply don’t know what you’re dealing with or how to address it properly.
Signs You Might Need to Test for Mold
Based on my experience and research, here are some signs that might indicate you should consider testing your home for mold:
- Unexplained health symptoms that improve when you’re away from home
- Chronic fatigue, brain fog, or cognitive issues that don’t respond to treatment
- Visible mold growth, even if it’s a small amount
- Recent water damage, flooding, or leaks
- Persistent musty odors
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Living in a high-humidity environment
- Respiratory issues that don’t respond to typical treatments
- Previous mold problems that might not have been fully remediated
Working with a Practitioner for Long-Term Solutions
One piece of advice I can’t emphasize enough is the importance of working with a knowledgeable practitioner to interpret your results and develop a comprehensive plan. Many companies that offer these tests also provide consultation services, and in my experience, this guidance was essential.
The practitioner I worked with not only helped me understand my test results but also:
- Created a customized plan for remediation based on the specific mold species present
- Recommended appropriate air filtration systems for our home
- Suggested lifestyle and dietary changes to support my body during recovery
- Provided guidance on preventing future mold issues
- Offered follow-up support as questions arose during the remediation process
This holistic approach addressed not just the mold in our home but also how to support my health during and after remediation.
Final Thoughts on Mold Testing
Testing our home for mold was the breakthrough I needed after four years of mysterious health issues. While it led to some unexpected expenses and temporary inconvenience, the improvement in my quality of life has been immeasurable.
If you’re experiencing unexplained health issues, noticing musty odors, or have had water damage in your home, I strongly encourage you to consider professional mold testing. Those hardware store petri dishes simply won’t give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your health and home.
Whether you choose the more comprehensive ERMI test or the more affordable GOT MOLD Test, having accurate data about your home environment empowers you to take appropriate action. Remember that mold remediation is not a DIY project, especially when dealing with toxic mold species. Working with certified professionals for testing, remediation, and health support ensures that the problem is addressed safely and effectively.
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