Vaporsens, Inc. — Environmental Protection Agency SBIR Phase II: 16-NCER-1A

Description

Need: People are exposed to formaldehyde, a carcinogen found in building materials. Highly sensitive, real-time formaldehyde sensors would improve human safety by alerting users to harmful concentrations. _x000D_ _x000D_ Technical Feasibility: Vaporsens produces chemical sensors based on novel organic nanofiber technology. Phase 1 results demonstrated high selectivity, rapid-response time, and demonstrated sensitivity to 10 ppb. Phase 2 will improve sensor performance, evaluate reproducibility, and test effectiveness in real-world environments. _x000D_ _x000D_ Applications: Formaldehyde monitoring in indoor environments, including homes, workplaces, and manufacturing facilities. _x000D_ _x000D_ Users: consumers, wood product manufacturers, regulators, environmental researchers, property managers, chemical hygienists._x000D_ _x000D_ Evidence of Buyers: Vaporsens conducted 100+ interviews with customers who report an urgent need to detect formaldehyde._x000D_ Vaporsens has been approached by several manufacturers of consumer and professional products with interest in monitoring_x000D_ formaldehyde in indoor environments._x000D_ _x000D_ Potential Market Size: The 2016 total indoor air quality market was valued at $8.3B, with equipment valued at $4.2B. _x000D_ _x000D_ Performance Compared to Other Technologies: Current formaldehyde detectors lack sensitivity and are cross-reactive to common chemicals (e.g., ethanol). Vaporsens sensors are more selective and sensitive at a comparable cost._x000D_ _x000D_ Environmental Benefits: Formaldehyde monitoring alerts building occupants to act when concentrations exceed safe thresholds._x000D_ Increased awareness incentivizes industries to decrease formaldehyde use, reducing emissions.