Increasing concerns about air pollution and its impact on the human body have led to a sharp increase in consumer demand for oxygen and air purification products, data showed Monday.

According to data released by online open market Gmarket, sales of air-related products have risen by nearly 2.5 times since three years ago.

Products that showed particularly notable growth were canned oxygen, whose sales rose by 76 percent over three years, and oxygen concentrators, whose sales increased fivefold according to Gmarket.

Portable canned oxygen allows users to breathe in higher levels of oxygen for respiratory comfort, and oxygen concentrators filter ambient air to provide a stream of concentrated oxygen.

Although products like canned oxygen and oxygen concentrators are originally intended to be used for specific purposes by athletes and patients, they have become more popular among everyday consumers who are looking for air purity beyond levels that are possible simply by wearing face masks or running air purifiers.

“We are seeing a particular spike in interest among consumers such as stressed students, senior citizens and pregnant women who are worried about the air they are breathing,” said Bae Jong-il, CEO of Pure O2. Pure O2 makes canned oxygen mixed with phytoncides -- naturally occurring antibacterial plant substances. A pack of three fresh air cans costs around 30,000 won ($26).

According to Bae, demand for canned oxygen increases during springtime and before the fall season, when high school seniors take the college entrance exams. He said that interest in these types of products was spreading rapidly to China, where air pollution is especially severe.

By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)