EMSL Analytical and Roche Diagnostics Sign Letter of Intent to Begin New Promotional Partnership

EMSL Analytical and Roche Diagnostics will collaborate to promote PCR-based, mold analysis to consumers and indoor air quality professionals.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. and the Applied Science division of Roche Diagnostics Corporation have reached an exclusive relationship to jointly raise awareness and market demand for the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI). ERMI is an objective, standardized, DNA-based method of mold analysis, developed by scientists at the US Environmental Protection Agency, that has been shown to be superior to traditional culture methods for detecting and measuring mold levels.1 The ERMI index, or numerical rating scale, was developed by testing a representative sample of more than 1,100 homes across the nation, as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) 2006 American Healthy Homes Survey. 2

As a leading provider of environmental laboratory services, EMSL Analytical has been one of the pioneers of the ERMI technology since its introduction, providing environmental professionals and property owners with answers to their mold questions and concerns utilizing the ERMI assay. EMSL’s offering provides a quick and simple way to test a property and compare it to the EPA’s national database, to determine the relative moldiness of a home. Roche Diagnostics manufactures a test kit that enables environmental testing labs, like EMSL, to perform the ERMI analysis on dust samples from their customer’s properties. Roche, the world’s largest biotech company, is also a leading research-focused healthcare group in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. The new partnership allows EMSL to offer the cutting edge testing to new markets, with the support of the premier developer of the testing technology.

According to the US EPA, molds produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances. US EPA data suggests a correlation between childhood asthma and mold levels in homes. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) over 20 million Americans are affected by asthma, and the national annual cost of asthma that is attributable to dampness and mold exposure in the home is estimated to be $3.5 billion.3 Analysis indicates that exposure to dampness and mold in buildings poses significant public health and economic risks in the U.S. The mold analysis market in 2005 was estimated at $50 million annually.4

“This unique partnership brings many unique strengths and resources to clients of EMSL,” reported Robert DeMalo, Senior Vice President, Laboratory Services, EMSL Analytical. “The technical resources from EMSL and Roche Diagnostics create an unmatched team of scientific experts,” DeMalo continued.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, food, and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

For more information on mold, indoor air quality and EMSL’s ERMI testing services call (800) 220-3675, visit www.emsl.com or email info@emsl.com. To learn more about EMSL Analytical please visit: www.EMSL.com, www.moldinspectionkit.com or www.LATesting.com.

References

1. J. Environ. Monit. 6:615-620 (2004)
2. J Occup Environ Med. 2007;49:829 – 833
3. Mudarri, D. and W.J. Fisk, “Public health and economic impact of dampness and mold”. Indoor Air, 2007. 17(3): p. 226-235.
4. Levin H (2005) National Expenditures for IAQ Problem Prevention or Mitigation. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Report., Berkeley, CA (LBNL 58694).

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

Director of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail