How Much CO2 Is In The Air You Breathe – Indoors? New Airhound™ Product Tests Air Quality

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 11, 2007 – Oak Park, IL (April 11, 2007) – There is a new solution for those looking for an inexpensive and easy method to obtain information on indoor air quality – Toxair’s AirHound.™ The comprehensive sampling system works in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner to capture an air sample. AirHound is an alternative to costlier industrial equipment, and is geared for use in homes, schools and office buildings by consumers who want to try their own testing.

“I knew most people couldn’t afford the expensive equipment the pros use, or, even if they could, they wouldn’t know how to use the equipment correctly,” said David Srebro, inventor of AirHound. “However, people know how to operate a home vacuum cleaner – and I realized that this could help in getting an air sample. The rest of the AirHound idea fell into place at that point.”

Using the hose attachment that comes with most vacuum cleaners, a consumer attaches AirHound to the end of the hose and regulates the airflow rate returning to the vacuum. Next, using a filter and a special bag, the consumer samples the air for gases or particles. The sample is then returned to AirHound’s laboratory for analysis.

“While many people think that mold, dander or mites are the major problem, it’s actually the carbon dioxide level in our indoor environment that is the underlying indicator of air quality,” Srebro said. “In high levels, this results in the growth of allergens like mold. Improving the air gases can help to reduce these triggers.”

AirHound can help consumers realize what, and more importantly, the amount, of gases or particles they are breathing. This information can then be compared to known standards.

According to Srebro, who has spent four years in air quality management positions at toxic waste sites, and eight years in other environmental positions, contaminants such as mold thrive in environments with high humidity and low air exchange. These environments can be indicated by high concentrations from exhaled carbon dioxide.

“It’s important for consumers to determine the level of gas and particulate before spending a lot of money on upgrading ventilation equipment,” Srebro said. “It may turn out that their air is fine and a different source could be the problem.”

The AirHound system comes in two sizes, and can be purchased online at www.toxair.com and at independent allergy and vacuum retail locations. The Pro version retails for $64.95 and the Junior version for $32.95. Each system includes a test of choice. Consumers can choose the analysis they want from the sample that is sent to the lab. This is limited by the size of the gas bag sample (i.e. the Pro will offer up to eight gas tests and the Junior will offer four). Additional tests sell for $25 each. The cost of the system includes return shipping and a laboratory report. Refill kits are also available.  

For more information, visit www.toxair.com or call (877) AIRHND1. Media inquiries should be directed to media_info@toxair.com.