Environmental Testing Guide for CIRS Patients

For individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome who notice symptoms in their home or office

Purpose:
Support you in assessing your environment to identify hidden contributors to illness.

Steps to take:

1. Hire the right expert
   Select an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) experienced in CIRS and familiar with identifying contamination, even in buildings that have been remediated.
2. Test settled dust, not just air
   Request ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) testing on dust samples to provide a clearer picture of exposure history.
3. Ask for a HERTSMI-2 score
   Ensure your IEP calculates a HERTSMI-2 score from the ERMI results, which focuses on molds most linked to water-damaged buildings and CIRS.
4. Request a thorough inspection
   The inspector should evaluate all potential problem areas, including:

• Behind walls
• Under flooring
• Inside HVAC systems
• Any prior water-damaged or remediated areas

5. Interpret results in context
   No single test is conclusive. Work with your IEP and healthcare provider to interpret results alongside your symptoms and inspection findings.

Goal:
Ensure your environment is safe so your body has the best opportunity to recover.