The impacts of bioterrorism and SARS on the air filtration market are unclear. There will be a substantial increase in the use of high efficiency filters for particulate, and carbon for gas removal. But the extent of this increase is difficult to predict. McIlvaine is continuing to revise its forecasts as the outlook changes.
A number of companies are pursuing the healthcare market in the wake of SARS. Achilles Japan, Itochu, and Ebara Jitsugyo have launched a negative/positive pressure air tent to prevent communicable diseases. Developed by Ebara, a HVAC unit inside the tent uses activated carbon, a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, and ultraviolet light to disinfect and clean the air. China alone represents a substantial market for such a device.
The extent of expenditures by governments to protect buildings against chemical and bio terrorism is potentially quite large. The U.S. has hundreds of embassies and consulates in foreign countries. Providing adequate filtration and purification for these buildings alone would be a substantial investment.
The surging economies in Asia and now the U.S. bode well for the air filtration industry. Air Filtration and Purification: World Markets is continuously revised to reflect the changed outlook in each of 80 countries and sub regions. For more information on this report click on: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/air.html#N022 .
Bob McIlvaine
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