Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the quality of the air in a specific environment including a base portion having a plurality of air purification means. The base provides support for an upwardly extending central tower having a plurality of air inlet openings which are shielded from the weather by protective covering means. The tower is covered by a roof. On entering the tower, the content of the air is monitored. A fan means creates an air flow path through the air inlet openings, downward through the tower to the air purification means in the base, through any one of the plurality of air purification means before being vented to the outside environment through air outlet openings. The air is monitored again after being filtered to determine the amount of pollutants. If the amount of pollutants in the air is below a predetermined level, the air is vented to the outside environment by retaining an air outlet gating means in its open position so that the purified air can pass to the outside.