EMMA vs. ERMI Mold Test – Unbiased Review

ERMI EMMA mold test Are you dealing with chronic health issues and think mold might be causing it? If so, it is critical to pick the right test so you can conclusively determine what is going on. I have seen several clients rely on airbox tests instead of the ERMI/EMMA, and by doing so, they put themselves at risk. By using the wrong test, they get inaccurate results, so they think there isn’t a problem when there really is. This leads them to continue to suffer as they inhale the mycotoxins, which were never tested for.

In this article, I will summarize the ERMI and EMMA mold tests. Afterward, I will explain why the EMMA mold test is a step above the rest. Lastly, I will cover the benefits of using both tests and address common questions about mold testing.

ERMI Mold Test Explained

The EPA designed the ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) mold test to measure mold contamination indoors by assessing 36 toxic strains. It uses PCR-based DNA technology to identify the exact number of spores for each strain. It also separates the types of mold into two categories: common outdoor molds and molds associated with water damage. In addition, it provides a score from 0-20, which determines how “moldy” your house is. Just years ago, this was considered the gold standard of mold testing. Today, it’s still useful, but as I’ll explain, it’s somewhat outdated.

EMMA Mold Test Summarized

The EMMA (Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin) mold test measures 10 toxic mold strains and 16 different mycotoxins. It completes this measurement using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, which allows for lower detection limits and greater accuracy. Also, measuring mycotoxins and fungal fragments gives you a complete picture of what’s going on in your environment. This is what makes it such a cutting-edge technology.

Why the EMMA Test is Better

I love the ERMI test, but there are a few reasons why it isn’t 100% accurate. First of all, the ERMI test does NOT measure fungal fragments. This is a big deal because these fragmented spores contain mycotoxins and can penetrate even deeper into the body, causing significant issues. In contrast, the EMMA mold test measures fungal fragments instead of whole spores.

Another reason the ERMI test is outdated is it doesn’t measure mycotoxin levels. It is possible for a place to have a low spore count but elevated levels of mycotoxins. Unfortunately, mycotoxins can stick around even after mold has been remediated. This is why it’s critical to test the mycotoxin levels in your home, not just the spores.

In addition, the EMMA test provides a HERTSMI-2 score, which tells you how likely this environment is contributing to chronic inflammatory response syndrome. Lastly, the EMMA uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for detection, which is far more accurate than the PCR-based method.

Using EMMA and ERMI Together

Even though the EMMA has multiple advantages over the ERMI, it still tests for only 10 mold strains. In contrast, the ERMI tests for 36 toxic mold strains. Since they both have their own unique benefits, it is best to complete both tests. This will give you a conclusive snapshot of your environment, allowing you to identify if mold is causing your health issues.

Importance of Investing in Mold Tests

If you are dealing with a chronic health issue, mold testing is critical. It may seem like a lot of money, but it’s worth every penny. The reason is, if you don’t perform the test, you may never identify the root cause of your issues. If you perform the test and confirm an issue, you can escape your symptoms quicker than you imagine.

For example, my daughter was disabled for six years, and the doctors did not know what to do besides put her on medication. If I hadn’t tested for mold, I would have never believed that it could be causing her health issues. Once we had confirmation that black mold was present, we made all the necessary changes, and she was symptom-free within six months. If I hadn’t done the testing, she would probably still be sick today.

FAQ – Comparing ERMI to EMMA Mold Test

Is it worth buying both mold tests to assess the environment?

Absolutely! The reason is, the ERMI measures 36 different toxic mold strains while the EMMA only measures 10. The benefit of EMMA is that it measures fungal fragments and mycotoxins. Both of these can cause people health issues. For example, the fungal fragments are pieces of spores. These are not picked up on the ERMI test. Also, the mycotoxins are the substances which make you sick. You must measure both to get a full picture, even if it costs you an arm and a leg.

What is the difference in price between ERMI and EMMA?

Multiple providers offer the ERMI mold test. The cheapest I have found is $250. The EMMA test is available through Real-time Labs for $399. This may sound like a lot of money, but trust me, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Which lab sells the best EMMA test?

Several companies sell the EMMA test, including RealTime Labs, MicroBalance Health Products, and Envirobiomics. I have only done business with RealTime Labs, which has been very reliable, so I would recommend them over the rest.

Is it hard to interpret the ERMI mold test?

It is rather simple to interpret the ERMI mold test. There are 36 strains, which are broken into two categories. The test provides a spore count for each strain and an average amount that should be present. If it is elevated, it will tell you how far above the reference range it is. If a certain mold is high, then you review the symptoms it causes and see if ANY match yours. This would be a clear indicator we have a problem. For more information on how to interpret the ERMI mold test, read the article linked.

How common is toxic mold in USA buildings?

Recent studies have shown that at least 47% of buildings and 30% of schools in the United States have unhealthy mold levels. They have also shown that 85% of buildings have experienced water damage in the past. The reality is that at least half of the buildings out there have some mold issues. If you are someone with sensitivity, this can turn into a problem pretty quickly.

Conclusion – EMMA is Worth the Extra Money

For the last decade, the gold standard has been the ERMI mold test. Though it is light years ahead of most other mold tests, it has a couple of faults. Most importantly, the ERMI test does not measure fungal fragments, only whole spores. In addition, it does not measure mycotoxins, which are the main irritants produced by mold.

For these reasons, adding the EMMA test to the ERMI is well worth the money! From there, you will have a conclusive picture of your environment. This will help you substantiate the mold theory and identify a plan for healing.

If you have any questions about mold testing, get in touch. I’m willing to help and blessed to have the opportunity.

Happy healing everyone!

Matt Nedin
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
EndSickness, Founder
Phone: (734) 846-8619
Email: endsickness@gmail.com
WhatsApp/Telegram:+17348468619