''Guardian Technologies Merger Update''; Merger Candidate-Vairex Corp. Completes Debt Restructuring and Debt Conversion.

Business Editors

CAREFREE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

Guardian Technologies International Inc. (Nasdaq: GRDN), in a follow-up to its previously announced execution of a definitive agreement to acquire Vairex Corp. (see press release dated 2/20/01), Wednesday announced that certain conditions to closing the merger between Guardian and Vairex have been completed.

As of the date hereon, Vairex has completed the following:

-- Executed an agreement providing for a restructuring of its $644,250 of
senior secured notes payable.

-- Converted to equity, 100 percent of its $676,786 of convertible notes
payable.

-- Converted to equity $1,114,982 of unsecured debt.

"We are very excited about achieving these milestones which move us closer to being able to complete our merger with Vairex," stated J. Andrew Moorer, Guardian's president and chief executive officer.

"We continue to work diligently to satisfy the remaining conditions to closing," concluded Moorer.

About Vairex

Vairex was founded in 1987 to develop advanced, proprietary, oil-free compressor technology for automotive and industrial applications and has been engaged in the emerging fuel cell industry for over six years.

The company's technical leadership has led to two major DOE development contracts and prototype sales to industry leaders such as Ballard, GM, Energy Partners and others. Most recently Vairex has delivered evaluation units to McDermott Technology and Fiat. For more information, visit Vairex's Web site at www.vairex.com.

About Guardian

Guardian, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Guardian Security & Safety Products Inc. (GSSP), serves the law enforcement, security and military communities and the global security industry. GSSP's majority-owned subsidiary, ForceOne, LLC, manufactures a variety of high-end ballistic protective equipment including patented personal protection devices commonly referred to as body armor.

Guardian, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Guardian Steel, is engaged in structural steel fabrication and provides among its products, structural steel used primarily in military base refurbishments and other projects under Federal contract.

The statements made in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the company's expectations.

In addition to the matters described in this press release, risk factors listed from time to time in the company's SEC reports and filings, including, but not limited to, its report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2000 and its report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999, may affect the results achieved by the company.