This tool helps you calculate fold numbers for various mold species and determine a HERTSMI-2 score. All values are rounded to whole numbers for simplicity. Understanding these values can guide you in assessing indoor environmental quality, especially for those sensitive to mold or dealing with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
ERMI Fold Calculator
Enter the "SE per MG" values for each species below.
GM FOLD = (SE per MG) / (stored GM).
Cumulative Percentile shows the percentage of observations expected to fall below your input,
based on each species’ statistical average (mean) and standard deviation.
HERTSMI-2 Score: 0
The HERTSMI-2 score is derived from five specific mold species. It helps those with CIRS understand the likelihood of symptom relapse if they reoccupy an environment. A higher score generally indicates a higher risk.
| Mold Species | Points |
|---|
Interpretation
Legend for Color-Coded Levels
Green: Typically indicates low or background levels (often consistent with outdoor infiltration or minimal indoor growth).
Yellow: Suggests elevated levels that may warrant further investigation.
Red: Indicates significantly elevated levels often associated with active microbial growth indoors. Professional remediation is recommended, especially if occupants report health concerns.
Approximate Ranges (SE/mg) for Common Water-Damage Indicator Molds
- Aspergillus flavus: Green <10 | Yellow 10–50 | Red >50
- Aspergillus fumigatus: Green <10 | Yellow 10–50 | Red >50
- Aspergillus niger: Green <20 | Yellow 20–100 | Red >100
- Aspergillus ochraceus: Green <10 | Yellow 10–30 | Red >30
- Aspergillus penicillioides: Green <15 | Yellow 15–60 | Red >60
- Aspergillus restrictus: Green <15 | Yellow 15–60 | Red >60
- Aspergillus sclerotiorum: Green <10 | Yellow 10–50 | Red >50
- Aspergillus sydowii: Green <10 | Yellow 10–50 | Red >50
- Aspergillus unguis: Green <10 | Yellow 10–50 | Red >50
- Aspergillus versicolor: Green <20 | Yellow 20–80 | Red >80
- Aureobasidium pullulans: Green <20 | Yellow 20–100 | Red >100
- Chaetomium globosum: Green <5 | Yellow 5–20 | Red >20
- Cladosporium sphaerospermum: Green <100 | Yellow 100–500 | Red >500
- Eurotium (A. amstelodami): Green <15 | Yellow 15–50 | Red >50
- Paecilomyces variotii: Green <10 | Yellow 10–40 | Red >40
- Penicillium brevicompactum: Green <20 | Yellow 20–60 | Red >60
- Penicillium corylophilum: Green <15 | Yellow 15–50 | Red >50
- Penicillium crustosum: Green <20 | Yellow 20–60 | Red >60
- Penicillium purpurogenum: (similar range to other Penicillium if needed)
- Penicillium spinulosum: Green <15 | Yellow 15–50 | Red >50
- Penicillium variabile: Green <20 | Yellow 20–60 | Red >60
- Scopulariopsis brevicaulis: Green <15 | Yellow 15–40 | Red >40
- Scopulariopsis chartarum: (similar to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis)
- Stachybotrys chartarum: Green <2 | Yellow 2–10 | Red >10
- Trichoderma viride: Green <10 | Yellow 10–30 | Red >30
- Wallemia sebi: Green <20 | Yellow 20–80 | Red >80
- Chaetomium murorum: Green <5 | Yellow 5–20 | Red >20
General Notes and Disclaimers
- No Universal Standard: There is no global consensus on exact “safe” vs. “unsafe” spore equivalent levels. These thresholds are guidelines.
- Context Matters: Even a low count of a toxigenic species can raise concerns if occupants are symptomatic or immunocompromised.
- Total Mold Load: Look at the overall profile (total spore count and diversity). A single out-of-range species might be less concerning if total mold load is minimal and no water damage is present.
- Health Impacts Vary: Individual susceptibility differs. Some people react strongly to low levels; others remain asymptomatic at higher levels.
- Investigate the Source: If any species is “Red,” or if multiple species are in the Yellow or Red zones, a thorough moisture investigation and targeted remediation are recommended.