[Query Concerning Purchase of Air Purifiers]

A contracting officer requested a GAO decision as to the propriety of a proposed procurement of two air purifiers for use in a public land records room. GAO held that expenditures of appropriated funds for an individual employee's health needs are not allowed unless they are expressly authorized by Congress. However, because the procurement in question would benefit the public users of the reading room and improve working conditions of Government employees who work in the area, GAO had no objection to the purchase if the appropriation used was otherwise available.