Breath Analyzers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Fuel Cell Technology, Semiconductor Sensor, Others), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global breath analyzers market size was valued at USD 2.38 billion in 2021 and is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% from 2022 to 2030. Strict implementation of road safety laws across the world, product advancements, initiatives by key companies, and demand for efficient as well as accurate medical detection devices are propelling the market growth.

In April 2022, the U.S. FDA approved the first COVID-19 breathalyzer test developed by InspectIR Systems, LLC. The test provides results within three minutes and detects five volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic notably impacted the market. The pandemic also increased the demand for non-invasive testing solutions that could be performed while adhering to social distancing norms. Breathalyzers thus emerged as viable alternatives in detecting COVID-19 and other medical diseases without the risk of transmission.

In November 2021, Imec and diagnostics developed a standard chip-based Breathalyzer Test for COVID-19. This enabled the company to develop and commercialize a breath testing-based COVID-19 test, as opposed to traditional COVID-19 testing based on saliva, blood, or a sample from the nose/throat cavity. 

Early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) plays a key role in the success rate of their treatment. Breath analyzers offer a quick primary diagnosis based on exhaled air contents. Growing applications in private use such as measurement of carbon monoxide (CO) in smoking cessation activities are expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the introduction of innovative devices designed to reduce these problems is expected to drive the market growth positively.

Breath analyzing devices are widely used for breath alcohol detection by law enforcement agencies to improve road traffic safety. Growing awareness levels and legal requirements in workplaces to keep the environment drug- and alcohol-free has resultantly increased product demand from offices, workplaces, and schools.

The constantly escalating demand in the recent past is anticipated to drive the market in the near future. However, conflicts over the accuracy of different types of analyzers, high susceptibility to external factors like temperature, BMI of the subject, and certain prescription drugs can hinder the growth of the market.

Technology Insights

The fuel cell technology segment captured the largest revenue share in 2021 in the overall breath analyzers market. The use of this technology in breath analyzers has shown significant growth in the recent past. Cases of misreading ketone and acetone amounts in breath are reduced significantly owing to the alcohol sensitivity of fuel cell technology. Due to benefits such as the compact size of devices and minimum power requirements, fuel cell technology has become a gold standard for hand-held devices.

The demand for compact and easy-to-use analyzers is expected to provide a platform for the growth of the market in the near future. Owing to the accuracy in detecting breath alcohol, devices equipped with this technology are easily approved by regulatory authorities from various countries. Fuel cell technology can also be combined with infrared spectrometry to get real-time and accurate data, especially when a large number of subjects are being examined.

Application Insights

The alcohol detection segment dominated the market in 2021. The medical application segment, on the other hand, is expected to show lucrative growth during the forecast period. In May 2021, the BreFence Go breath test developed by Breathonix Pte Ltd. received provisional approval from Singapore authorities for COVID-19 testing. Also, the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer developed by InspectIR Systems, LLC was granted EUA by the U.S. FDA in April 2022.

Technological developments have enabled the detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) through breath analyzers. Detection of VOCs is expected to aid in the early diagnosis of conditions including cardiopulmonary diseases and lung and breast cancer. VOCs can also play as biomarkers to assess disease progressions. These developments are expected to expand the clinical applications of these analyzers. Applications of breath analyzers are currently limited to drug abuse, alcohol detection, and diagnosis of asthma and gastroenteric conditions.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2021. This dominance is attributed to the highly developed economy, high product adoption rates, and awareness about road traffic safety. The region is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period owing to the widening application of these devices. The market size is expected to show lucrative growth due to a rise in short and easy product approval procedures.

The Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period. Major markets in the region include India, China, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia. Usage of breath analyzers in these countries is still limited to law enforcement departments and surgery rooms of hospitals. Untapped markets of breathalyzers used privately and in restaurants/bars offer a huge opportunity for regional growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The breath analyzers industry is competitive in nature. It is also highly fragmented with the presence of many small and medium-sized players owing to low entry and exit barriers to new entrants. Companies entering with innovative products have great scope for growth as the demand for innovative products is high.

Market players are involved in deploying strategic initiatives, which include product advancements, sales & marketing activities, and expansion of distribution networks, among others. For instance, in February 2022, FoodMarble Digestive Health Ltd. launched the AIRE 2 - a personal digestive breath tester.

Some of the key players in the global breath analyzers market include:  

• Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA

• Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.

• Quest Products, Inc.

• Intoximeters

• Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Corp.

• AK GlobalTech Corp.

• Bedfont Scientific Ltd.

• Tanita

• Lion Laboratories

• Shenzhen Ztsense Hi-Tech Co., Ltd

Breath Analyzers Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global breath analyzers market report based on technology, application, and region:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Fuel Cell Technology

  • Semiconductor Sensor

  • Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Drug Abuse Detection

  • Alcohol Detection

  • Medical Applications

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia