Air Purifier Sales Surged Nearly 40% In Feb

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Sales of air purifiers jumped 39% on the year last month, led by surging purchases in western regions of the country, according to figures released Friday by GfK Japan.

Sales volume increased 54% in Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu. Products equipped with humidifying and ion-generating functions were especially popular. Much of the growth is seen stemming from concerns over particulate matter reaching Japan from heavily polluted China.

Air purifier sales have been climbing since late January. The trend is expected to continue this month with the arrival of not only pollen, but also yellow sand carried on high winds from China.

The domestic air purifier market has been steadily expanding on health concerns since a 2009 flu outbreak and the March 2011 earthquake. It grew from about 1.5 million units a year in fiscal 2008 to 2.5 million units in fiscal 2011.

(The Nikkei, March 9 morning edition)

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