Strict air quality standards and demands from employees and building tenants are forcing employers and building operators to improve air quality. This demand will increase revenue in the air filtration market to $1.51 billion by 2007, according to consultant firm Frost & Sullivan.

However, market participants will have some obstacles to hurdle. "A growing number of end users are pushing manufacturers to conform to a high-level of performance, with quality checks and documentation to back it up," said Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Caryn Sykes. Air filter manufacturers will need to devote significant resources to research and development, manufacturing processes, sales and quality assurance to meet their customers' needs.

At the same time, price pressures will make it more difficult for companies to produce high-quality filters. "Many air filtration products are becoming commodity products," said Sykes. "Although customers mention quality and fast delivery as important purchase factors, customers ultimately select commodity products according to price."

For more information on Frost & Sullivan's report, "U.S. Commercial and Industrial Air Filtration Markets," contact Kimberly Howard at 210/247-2488 or e-mail her at khoward@frost.com.