COVID surge sparks misinformed run on canned oxygen in Japan

Prices soar despite warnings that product does not work as treatment

The price of canned oxygen on Amazon.com's Japanese site more than tripled to $25 last month.

RYO NAMIKI, Nikkei staff writer

September 3, 2021 10:50 JST

TOKYO -- Prices for canned oxygen have skyrocketed in Japan, especially online, amid last month's surge in coronavirus cases, despite warnings from medical experts that it cannot be used to treat COVID-19 symptoms.

Canned oxygen is a recreational product used by athletes, mountain climbers and others as a portable supplement after heavy exertion. A container holding around five liters normally costs 700 yen to 900 yen ($6 to $8), manufacturer Iwatani says.