AirTrap Introduces a Modern Alternative to Traditional Spore Trap Sampling

AirTrap introduces a modern alternative built on that established sampling methodology while refining key aspects of the cassette’s physical design to improve usability in the field, consistency in the laboratory, and material efficiency. Developed by Apacor UK in collaboration with Air-O-Cell inventor Dan Baxter and IAQ expert Jason Earle. Distributed exclusively in North America by AirTrap.us.
Key Takeaways
  • AirTrap introduces a modernized spore trap cassette for indoor air quality testing, improving usability, lab clarity, and sustainability while remaining fully compatible with standard air sampling equipment.
  • Developed by Apacor UK with Air-O-Cell inventor Dan Baxter and IAQ expert Jason Earle, AirTrap updates the classic spore trap cassette with a refined design that reduces plastic use, improves lab analysis, and minimizes handling errors.
  • AirTrap launches in North America as an updated alternative to traditional spore trap cassettes, offering improved field usability, clearer laboratory imaging, and a recyclable design while maintaining compatibility with existing testing methods.

For more than three decades, indoor air quality professionals have used spore trap cassettes — small air-sampling devices that collect mold spores and other airborne particles for laboratory analysis. The core cassette design introduced in the mid-1990s remains the most common format for airborne particulate sampling today.

AirTrap introduces a modern alternative built on that established sampling methodology while refining key aspects of the cassette’s physical design to improve usability in the field, consistency in the laboratory, and material efficiency.

AirTrap air sampling cassettes are now available throughout North America exclusively through AirTrap.us, providing inspectors, laboratories, restoration professionals, schools, and government agencies with an additional option in the marketplace for airborne particle sampling.

In 1995, Daniel Baxter, director of Research and Development at Aerosol Research Associates, Inc., introduced the Air-O-Cell cassette, which became widely adopted in mold and indoor air quality investigations. AirTrap reflects a collaborative effort to revisit and update the cassette design to better align with current inspection demands, laboratory workflows, and environmental considerations.

AirTrap cassettes are fully compatible with standard air sampling pumps and established laboratory analysis methods, allowing seamless integration into existing inspection procedures without changes to sampling technique.

The updated design incorporates several practical refinements:

  • A flip-top cap system engineered to reduce handling errors and minimize sample contamination during transport
  • Approximately 46% less plastic compared to traditional cassette designs
  • A recyclable housing to support more sustainable testing practices
  • Durable polypropylene construction for field reliability
  • A flatter collection surface designed to improve image clarity during laboratory analysis, including digital and AI-assisted microscopy

AirTrap is ideal for indoor air quality assessments, post-remediation verification, real estate inspections, school and university testing programs, cleanroom clearance, and routine environmental monitoring.

By modernizing the cassette design while preserving established sampling principles, AirTrap delivers long-overdue improvements — compatible with existing equipment and familiar workflows.

For more information, visit www.airtrap.us.


About AirTrap.us

AirTrap.us is the exclusive North American distributor of AirTrap products, supporting inspectors, laboratories, restoration professionals, and institutional clients throughout the United States and Canada.

About Apacor UK

Apacor UK is a manufacturer of diagnostic and environmental sampling devices serving global laboratory and environmental health markets.

Key Takeaways
  • AirTrap introduces a modernized spore trap cassette for indoor air quality testing, improving usability, lab clarity, and sustainability while remaining fully compatible with standard air sampling equipment.
  • Developed by Apacor UK with Air-O-Cell inventor Dan Baxter and IAQ expert Jason Earle, AirTrap updates the classic spore trap cassette with a refined design that reduces plastic use, improves lab analysis, and minimizes handling errors.
  • AirTrap launches in North America as an updated alternative to traditional spore trap cassettes, offering improved field usability, clearer laboratory imaging, and a recyclable design while maintaining compatibility with existing testing methods.
Media Gallery
Quotes
When I developed the original cassette design in the 1990s, the goal was to make air sampling practical and accessible. AirTrap builds on that foun...
Dan BaxterDirector of Research and Development at Aerosol Research Associates, Inc.
Contacts
Valerie Murphy
media@airtrap.us
(800) 838-1388