How We Evaluate Claims

 At Claim Science, we do not judge a product simply by whether we like it or dislike it.

We focus on a more specific question:

Does the evidence support what the product claims to do?

Product marketing often uses impressive numbers, scientific terms, test results, and performance claims. Some are well supported. Others may be technically accurate but presented without the context consumers need to understand what they really mean.

Our goal is to separate the claim from the marketing and examine the evidence behind it.

1. We identify the exact claim

We begin with the wording used by the manufacturer, retailer, packaging, or official product page.

Examples include:

“Kills 99.9% of bacteria.”

“Covers rooms up to 1,500 sq ft.”

“Uses 70% less energy.”

“Keeps food fresh 5 times longer.”

“Operates at only 20 dB.”

The exact wording matters because small differences in language can significantly change what a claim actually means.

2. We examine how the product is supposed to work

We look at the scientific or engineering mechanism behind the claim.

Depending on the product, this may involve filtration, heat transfer, ultraviolet radiation, adsorption, chemical reactions, humidity control, airflow, electrical efficiency, antimicrobial activity, or other physical and chemical principles.

A scientifically plausible mechanism does not automatically prove that a product works as advertised, but it is an important starting point.

3. We look for supporting evidence

Depending on the claim, we may examine:

• Manufacturer specifications and technical documents
• Published scientific research
• Test reports and certifications
• Industry standards and regulatory guidance
• Independent testing
• Engineering calculations
• Comparable product performance data

We give greater weight to evidence that is transparent, reproducible, relevant to the finished product, and conducted under conditions similar to real-world use.

4. We examine the test conditions

A performance number can be accurate while still being misleading if the test conditions are very different from normal use.

For example, a claim of “99.9% reduction” may depend on the microorganism tested, exposure time, product concentration, temperature, airflow, test chamber size, or other controlled conditions.

We therefore ask not only what the result was, but also how the result was obtained.

5. We compare the claim with real-world use

Laboratory performance and everyday performance are not always the same.

When possible, we translate technical specifications into practical questions such as:

• How long would this take in a normal room?
• How much electricity would it actually use?
• What would the annual operating cost be?
• Is the advertised coverage realistic?
• Is the claimed performance meaningful for typical users?

6. We assign a Claim Verdict

Each claim may receive one of four verdicts:

Supported

The available evidence reasonably supports the claim, and the claim is presented in a way that reflects its real-world meaning.

Technically True, But Misleading

The claim may be factually correct under specific conditions, but important context is missing or the wording may lead consumers to expect more than the evidence actually shows.

Not Enough Evidence

The available information is insufficient to confidently support or reject the claim.

Unsupported

The evidence available does not adequately support the claim, or the claim conflicts with reliable scientific or technical information.

Our verdicts can change

Product specifications, test data, scientific evidence, and manufacturer claims can change over time.

If stronger evidence becomes available, we may update an article and revise its verdict.

Claim Science is not intended to replace professional engineering, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Our goal is to help consumers better understand the evidence behind everyday product claims and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Interesting products make big promises. We check the science behind them.

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