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Mold Remediation Decision Tree for Sick People

Should you stay? DIY? Hire pros? How to decide safely

≈ 10–14 min read

Mold Remediation Decision Tree

1. Is the house safe enough to stay in right now?

  • Yes → Low visible mold, no musty smell, symptoms stable → Proceed to testing/remediation planning
  • No → Visible mold, strong musty odor, symptoms worsen indoors → Get out immediately (even temporarily)

2. Do you have ERMI / HERTSMI-2 results?

  • HERTSMI-2 ≤ 8 or ERMI ≤ -1 → Relatively safe for most CIRS patients
  • HERTSMI-2 9–10 → Borderline – careful monitoring + partial remediation
  • HERTSMI-2 ≥ 11 or ERMI > 2 → High risk – full remediation or relocation strongly recommended

3. Budget & Severity

Low budget / mild symptoms

  • HEPA air purifiers + dehumidifier
  • DIY cleaning of hard surfaces
  • Discard soft items that smell
  • Post-cleaning ERMI re-test

Moderate–high budget / severe symptoms

  • Hire IICRC-certified remediator
  • Full containment + HEPA vacuum
  • Remove/replace porous materials
  • Post-remediation clearance testing

4. Post-Remediation Rules

  • Repeat ERMI/HERTSMI-2 2–4 weeks after work
  • Keep humidity <50% year-round
  • Use carbon + HEPA filters ongoing
  • If symptoms return → re-test or consider relocation

Cost vs. Effectiveness Comparison

Approach Approx. Cost Effectiveness for CIRS/MCAS Best For
HEPA purifiers + dehumidifier only$300–800Medium (containment)Temporary / low budget
DIY cleaning + discard soft goods$200–1,000Medium–LowMild cases
Professional containment + HEPA vac$1,500–5,000HighModerate exposure
Full professional remediation (remove/replace)$5,000–20,000+Very HighSevere / chronic exposure

Always test BEFORE and AFTER — visual inspection alone misses hidden mold.