August 20, 2007 — ATLANTA, GA — Air-cleaning equipment featuring new photocatalytic oxidation technology is used to remove contaminants from indoor and outdoor air. But does this technology also introduce chemicals into the air?

New research from ASHRAE will provide a method for analyzing by-products from photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) air cleaning devices, improving understanding of the technology.

“This research will lead to a new generation of air cleaners that have both low energy operation and low release of chemicals,” says Carolyn Kerr, a member of ASHRAE’s Technical Committee (TC) 2.3, Gaseous Air Contaminants and Gas Contaminant Removal Equipment, which is overseeing the project. “This will assist in providing an optimal indoor environment for buildings, vehicles, and facilities for comfort, health, and productivity of occupants.”

PCO, used for removal of gaseous contaminants, requires less energy to operate than many existing filter systems, according to Kerr. In the best-case scenario, all of the contaminants removed are converted to non-threatening levels of carbon dioxide and water. However, the contaminant conversion process has the potential to release chemicals that are less desirable than the ones being removed from the air stream, Kerr says.

The research will investigate a variety of stand-alone and in-duct air cleaners using PCO technology, challenging them with several airborne contaminants to identify chemicals released.

ASHRAE Research Project 1457, By-Product Production from Photocatalytic Oxidation Associated with Indoor Air Cleaning Devices, was awarded to the University of Wisconsin. The $124,889 project is expected to take two years to complete.

The project is one of 12 ASHRAE recently approved for funding, totaling $1.4 million. Others are:

• Modeling Low Velocity Large Scale Fluctuating Flows in Ventilated Spaces at Transitional Reynolds Numbers, RP-1271, Purdue University, two years, $120,156, sponsored by TC 4.10, Indoor Environmental Modeling.
• Particle Counter Specification for Use with Filter Performance Test Standard ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999, RP-1287, RTI International, 15 months, $101,853, TC 2.4, Particulates air Contaminants and Particulate Contaminant Removal Equipment.
• Modeling VOC Sorption of Building Materials and Its Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Recall — Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

August 22, 2007 — INDUSTRY, CA — Los Angeles Salad Company, located in City of Industry, CA, is recalling its “Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots” with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 16, 2007 printed on the back of the packages because the product may be contaminated with the bacteria Shigella. Shigella infection can cause diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea and vomiting. Illness usually lasts from 4 to 14 days. In some persons, especially the very young, the very old and people with compromised immune systems, the diarrhea can be more severe. Infection can occur after eating and drinking food and water that is contaminated with Shigella and can be passed from person to person.

The product was sold in packages with two labels. One is labeled “Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots” distributed by Kroger Co. King Sooper, in Colorado, Kroger Co.; Ralphs in California; Publix in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. All of these packages were sold in flexible plastic bags in 7 and 8 oz. size with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 16, 2007. The second label was “Trader Joe’s Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots” distributed by Trader Joe’s in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington in 7 oz. flexible plastic bags with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 8, 2007.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the same product sold in Canada was contaminated with Shigella. There were four reported incidences of illness in Canada from August 4-6, 2007. No one was hospitalized and all persons affected have fully recovered. An ongoing investigation is being conducted to find the cause of the problem, but at this time the source has not been determined.

This is precautionary notice. Consumers who have purchased Los Angeles Salad Company’s “Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots” are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Los Angeles Salads at 626-322-9017.

Web site: www.fda.gov

August 15, 2007 — KRIFTEL, GERMANY — The basan group, one of Europe’s leading commercial enterprises for cleanroom products and services, has successfully completed the integration of the business activities acquired from Metron Technology Inc. in Europe and Asia.

The basan group had announced on April 23 the acquisition of the distribution division of cleanroom consumables in Europe and Asia, in addition to the cleanroom garment manufacture in Malaysia from Metron Technology Inc. In Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, basan has integrated the business activities of Metron Technology in its own subsidiaries, which have been successfully operating on the market for years. The newly established subsidiaries in Italy, France, Singapore and Malaysia will enable basan to develop new markets.

“We are very satisfied to have won over several former Metron employees for key positions in the new basan subsidiaries,” Frank Braun, managing director of basan GmbH, explains. “This allows us to retain market-, customer- and product-specific know-how and to ensure that local requirements are understood and fulfilled.” State-of-the-art ordering and delivery processes are ensured by the use of SAP software.

Since the acquisition, the number of employees in the basan group worldwide has increased to 125. The headquarters remain in Kriftel, Germany. “For basan the acquisition means a significant expansion of the global sales activities,” says Braun. “Our customers benefit from an expanded product line and an even more attractive cost structure, which we can achieve for our customers due to the increased purchasing volume.”

About basan
The basan company, certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000, has more than 25 years of experience in the sale of cleanroom consumables and cleanroom garments. The basan product portfolio encompasses an assortment of over 4,500 high-quality cleanroom products — from cleanroom consumables such as wipers, gloves, paper, packaging material, disposable and reusable garments to floor coverings, furnishings, and furniture. As part of its FULL SERVICE CONCEPT basan supports its customers with diverse consulting expertise and services, such as employee trainings, seminars, garment concepts, logistics services or complete system integration.

In the area of logistics basan ensures the continuous availability of the cleanroom consumables required by customers and also takes care of all administrative and logistical functions, such as planning, local storage, inventory management, and material and transport disposition.

Contact:
Ms. Marikki Koschmieder, basan GmbH
Tel: +49-6192-9986-0
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.basan.com

Recall — Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

August 16, 2007 — PHILADELPHIA, PA — Ocean King Enterprises Inc. of Philadelphia, PA, is recalling Ready-to-Eat Seafood Dips, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Products were distributed through the following A&P warehouses: A&P (C&S) Hatfield in Hatfield, MA; A&P (C&S) Baltimore in North East, MD; and A&P (C&S) Woodbridge in Woodbridge, NJ. Products will have reached consumers through retail stores from warehouse distribution.

The products were sold in bulk 5-pound containers to the warehouses. The dips are then sold in the value added and deli sections of the retail stores in clear plastic containers with a Regal King label. All flavors have a red and white repack label. The brand name is Regal King Gourmet Seafood. The flavors are Premium Krab Dip, Cajun Krab Dip, Shrimp Dip, and Smoked Salmon Dip. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of an independent systemic sampling program conducted by Ocean King Enterprises Inc. which revealed that one finished product contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and Ocean King Enterprises continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who purchased Regal King Brand ready-to-eat seafood dips should return the product to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Ocean King Enterprises Inc. at (215) 495-0540.

Web site: www.fda.gov

August 16, 2007 — LEXINGTON, MA, and HIMEJI, JAPAN — Tillotson Corporation and Showa Glove of Japan have jointly announced the signing of a purchase and sale agreement whereby Showa will acquire all of Tillotson’s Best Glove operations and subsidiaries, creating a global leader in glove manufacturing and product development.

The transaction, expected to close within the next 45 days, brings together two well-respected innovation leaders in the glove marketplace. Upon closing, Best will continue to operate as a stand-alone company and will be headquartered in Menlo, GA, as a division of Showa Glove. Other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This creates one of the largest hand protection manufacturers in the world with a product portfolio that encompasses many of the world’s most trusted and widely used glove brands. The combination of Showa and Best offers:

• Best-in-class technology. With a focus on research and development, the combined company will be uniquely positioned to continue and accelerate the Best/Showa tradition of introducing new, innovative products.
• Comprehensive hand and arm product portfolio. The high quality of Showa’s and Best’s products has earned both companies recognition as industry leaders. Combined, the two offer a full range of the highest quality protective gloves to industries ranging from automotive and manufacturing to construction, health care, technology, and food service.
• Extensive channel coverage. The merged company will have one of the world’s strongest sales and service organizations focused exclusively on hand protection.
• Global production facilities. With global production facilities (U.S., Japan, Guatemala, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Canada), the companies will be able to manufacture closer to their customers, increase production capacity, and operate under a global business model.

Bill Alico, president and chief executive officer of Tillotson Corporation, will serve as chief operating officer of the new company. As part of the transaction, Alico, a glove industry veteran, will step down from his post at Tillotson.

“Best and Showa share a vision. We both are committed to developing the most advanced technology in hand protection. By combining our companies’ complementary, best-in-class products and technologies, we expect to create a powerhouse in the hand protection market — one that has the potential to dramatically change the industry,” says Alico.

Yasunori Miura, president of Showa Glove, states, “We have had a strong relationship with Best Manufacturing for some time now through our strategic partnership as the sole-source provider of Showass Hi-Tech line of hand protection in North America. Through these discussions we have come to know the organization as one of high integrity, high standards, and a commitment to excellence.” Miura continues, “We believe our alignment with Best Manufacturing is a solid decision which serves the best interest of customers, employees, and the communities we serve.”

Best Manufacturing is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hand protection for industrial and medical markets. For more information on Best Manufacturing, visit www.bestglove.com.

SHOWA Co. of Himeji, Japan is one of the largest industrial glove manufacturers in the world, with production facilities in Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. For more information, visit www.showaco.com.

August 14, 2007 — GLEN MILLS, PA — Global Ecotek, LLC has announced the development of a state-of-the-art infection control technology. “This [technology] may be as significant an advance in infection control as the development of antibiotics. CIMR(TM) Infection and Mold Control Technology makes new infection control strategies possible, cost-effective, and efficient
for government, businesses, medical facilities, educational institutions, mass transportation, and the hospitality industry,” says James D. Lee, PE, CBRN consultant for multiple Fortune 500 companies and a former U.S. Army Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Officer. “It’s also ozone-free and safe to use in occupied areas.

“Imagine government agencies and businesses that can safeguard their employees and the public against Pandemic Flu,” says Lee, “or medical institutions where antibiotic-resistant bacteria are only a minor threat. Imagine schools where students are much better protected against airborne and surface-contaminating illnesses, or airliner cabins and other mass transportation where the air and surfaces are safer from infectious disease. Not to mention cruise lines, restaurants, and resorts that are resistant to norovirus outbreaks. CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology has the potential to change many, many things for the better.”

So far the hydrogen peroxide gas technology used in CIMR(TM) systems has demonstrated the ability to safely disinfect each virus, bacteria, mold, and fungus against which it has been applied. Also, independent studies conducted by Kansas State University, the University of Cincinnati, and Sandia Labs have proven hydrogen peroxide gas technology to be effective against the H5N8 virus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus, E. Coli, Listeria, Candida, Pseudomonas, Bacillus subtillus, and Stachybotrus Chartarum (black mold). University tests have shown that hydrogen peroxide gas technology can disinfect at least 96.4 percent and as much as 99.99 percent of surface-contaminating viruses and bacteria within the first 24 hours after installation.

Further, Dr. Marsden of Kansas State University had this to say based on his research: “After the first 24 hrs exposure, any new microbe reduction is virtually instantaneous.” Complete university test results are available and can be viewed at www.globalecotek.com.

“We’ve used the technology at many sites damaged by Hurricane Rita to remove extensive black mold contamination,” says Alton Holt, president of Global Ecotek. “It’s amazing to watch the technology turn a quarter-inch deep colony of black mold into powder, or to see it kill mold inside insulation.”

Lee also believes that CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology has applications in biodefense, stating, “If this technology had been in place against anthrax in 2001, it could have made a big difference in reducing the number of people infected and in getting the contaminated facilities back up and running in a far shorter time at a fraction of the cost.”

CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology is effective against microbes both in the air and on surfaces. It works by creating 0.02 parts per million (ppm) of hydrogen peroxide gas from the oxygen and humidity already in the air. The hydrogen peroxide gas is then supplied to the protected area where it diffuses everywhere air goes, disinfecting microbes in places that other technologies can’t even reach. The hydrogen peroxide molecules have both localized positive and negative charges; they are literally drawn to viruses and bacteria by electro-static attraction. Microbes don’t have much of a chance against CIMR(TM) systems.

The hydrogen peroxide gas is odorless and safe to use in occupied areas. According to OSHA, 1 part per million of hydrogen peroxide gas is safe throughout the workday. Ozone-free CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology only uses one fiftieth of that amount. It has also shown that it can reduce ozone concentrations in incoming air. Hydrogen peroxide gas reacts with ozone to produce oxygen and water vapor.

Since most people have used hydrogen peroxide at one time or another to disinfect a cut or scrape, they should feel comfortable knowing that they can be protected by minute amounts of hydrogen peroxide gas in the air — just one hydrogen peroxide molecule for every ten million oxygen molecules.

CIMR(TM) units install in a matter of minutes. The first thing a duct-mounted unit does is sanitize the air ducts, which are often the source of disease and allergies in a facility because they are contaminated with viruses, bacteria, mold, and other fungi. CIMR(TM) systems are also more economical than competing technologies. A duct-mounted unit designed to protect up to 40,000 cubic feet draws less than half an amp of electricity and requires maintenance only once every 33 months.

CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology is also fully scalable. More than half a dozen different configurations are already in
production, from systems compact enough to protect a small room, or install in a self-contained heating and cooling unit, to those designed to protect up to 80,000 cubic feet.

Global Ecotek, LLC; Global Purifications, LLC; and Hi-Tech Air and Water Systems, have formed a strategic alliance to bring CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology to the marketplace in partnership with J.D. Lee & Associates, Inc, a service-disabled veteran owned company.

For more information on CIMR(TM) Infection Control Technology go to www.globalecotek.com, or call 1-866-520-2467.

August 7, 2007 — PHILLIPSBURG, NJ — Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. and the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) today announced a new processing step in crystalline solar cell manufacturing that provides a 2 percent relative increase in solar cell efficiency. Cells manufactured using this new processing step generate more electricity, increasing their value for use in solar panels and arrays. The selection of Mallinckrodt Baker’s silicon surface preparation and cleaning chemistry by ECN, a recognized leader in the development of solar cell manufacturing processes, for the ECN-CLEAN process demonstrates Mallinckrodt Baker’s strong support of solar cell manufacturing and further enhances its position as a valued supplier to the rapidly growing photovoltaic (PV) market.

“Governments throughout the world are placing greater emphasis on alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics. One of the challenges is developing and manufacturing solar cells that provide lower costs of energy,” says Paul Wyers, manager of the solar energy department of ECN. “The development of our ECN-clean process with Mallinckrodt Baker is one step toward achieving this goal.”

Driven by global warming concerns and the desire to reduce dependence on increasingly scarce and volatile sources of oil and other fossil fuels, there is significant interest in utilizing renewable energy sources as a means of meeting the rising electrical energy demands of modern industrial economies. One of the leading renewable energy candidates is solar energy, specifically electricity generated directly from sunlight by photovoltaic cells. Recent estimates published by SEMI project the global solar photovoltaic market at more than $7 billion today, growing to more than $16 billion in 2012.*

“The combination of the ECN-clean process and our Mallinckrodt Baker chemistry addresses solar cell manufacturers’ goals of increasing energy output for solar cells,” says Peter de Groot, managing director for Mallinckrodt Baker’s European headquarters. “Our work with ECN in developing this cleaning process demonstrates our commitment, as a leading provider of cleaning chemistries, to help fabs realize increased yields and a strong return on investment.”

Process engineers have demonstrated the ECN-clean process, utilizing a wet bench cleaning step after standard glass removal with hydrofluoric acid. This additional step increases solar cell energy conversion efficiency from 15 percent to 15.3 percent in absolute terms and is equivalent to a two percent increase in relative terms. This increase provides a competitive advantage in a marketplace where even slight efficiency improvements enhance a solar cell’s electrical energy output and augment its commercial value.

Customers interested in additional information about surface preparation and cleaning chemistries for the photovoltaic industry may contact Mallinckrodt Baker at 1-800-582-2537 or [email protected].

For more information, visit http://www.mallbaker.com/micro and www.ecn.nl.

*Source: www.semi.org

About Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc.
Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. is a manufacturer of high purity chemicals and related products and services sold under two well-known and respected brand names — J.T.Baker(R) and Mallinckrodt(R) Laboratory Chemicals. These products are widely used in research and quality control laboratories, microelectronics, environmental testing laboratories and universities, and for manufacturing in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other industrial markets. Based in Phillipsburg, NJ, Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc., is part of Covidien, formerly Tyco Healthcare.

About Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands
The Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (“ECN”) is the largest research centre in the field of energy in the Netherlands. ECN develops energy technology and brings this to market. ECN Solar Energy employs 70 scientists and engineers that develop new PV materials and processing technologies, as well as new solar cell and module designs. These are actively transferred to industry and implemented on pilot and production scale. ECN’s extensive facilities are well suited to study all R&D issues currently relevant for the PV industry.

August 7, 2007 — /PRNewswire/ ALPHARETTA, GA — Microtek Medical Holdings, Inc. and Ecolab Inc. announced today that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger whereby Ecolab will acquire Microtek Medical. Under the terms of the agreement, Microtek Medical’s shareholders will receive $6.30 for each share of common stock outstanding as of the closing date of the transaction. Microtek Medical has approximately 43.5 million shares currently outstanding.

The boards of directors for both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2007. Completion of the transaction is contingent upon various conditions, which are more fully set forth in the merger agreement, including, among other things, approval of the transaction by Microtek Medical’s shareholders, regulatory approval, and other customary closing conditions. Materials will be mailed to Microtek Medical shareholders after required filings have been made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“This transaction provides a great opportunity for expansion of our business, offers excellent value for our shareholders and represents a significant premium over the historical trading price of our shares,” comments Dan R. Lee, Microtek Medical’s chairman, president, and CEO.

Lee continues, “We believe that Ecolab is a perfect strategic partner for Microtek Medical. We share similar cultures that are uniquely focused on promoting benefits to the healthcare provider and patient. Combining Ecolab’s scale and innovative resources with our years of world-class manufacturing, strong OEM relationships, strategic business alliances and international market reach also brings tremendous value to our employees and customers. The dynamic combination of two great names in healthcare and infection control is expected to yield worldwide sales and marketing synergies and to result in one of the world’s premier infection prevention companies. Our combined future branding strategy will maximize Microtek Medical’s proven healthcare brand and expertise in barrier technology and Ecolab’s world-recognized reputation for excellence in cleaning and sanitizing products and services. We expect to leverage these collective resources to deliver strong financial performance for many years to come.”

Lee concludes, “I am extremely proud of our accomplishments and excited about the road ahead for Microtek Medical as part of the Ecolab family. Ecolab and Microtek Medical share in the understanding that our employees are the critical link to outstanding customer service, exceptional products, and world-class manufacturing and distribution. The employees of both organizations will drive our combined ability to improve the quality of patient care worldwide and to eliminate the prevalence and potency of hospital-acquired infections around the globe.”

A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Microtek Medical in connection with the transaction and provided an opinion to Microtek Medical’s board of directors that the merger consideration is fair to Microtek Medical’s shareholders from a financial point of view.

About Microtek Medical
Microtek Medical is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative product solutions for patient care, occupational safety and management of infectious and hazardous waste for the health care industry. Headquartered near Atlanta, GA, the company offers an extensive line of infection control, fluid control and safety products, such as disposable equipment and patient drapes, which are marketed to health care professionals through multiple channels, including direct sales, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and private label arrangements. Microtek Medical’s goal is to provide health care professionals with innovative product solutions that encompass a high-level of patient care and prevention of cross-infection in operating rooms and ambulatory surgical centers worldwide. For further information, visit www.microtekmed.com.

About Ecolab Inc.
With sales of $5 billion and more than 13,000 sales-and-service associates, Ecolab Inc. is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety, and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the foodservice, food and beverage processing, health care, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.

Important Information
Microtek Medical will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a current report on Form 8-K which will include the merger agreement. The proxy statement that Microtek Medical plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mail to its shareholders will contain information about Microtek Medical, the proposed merger and related matters. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT CAREFULLY WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE, AS IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ABOUT THE MERGER. In addition to receiving the proxy statement from Microtek Medical by mail, shareholders will be able to obtain the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing information about Microtek Medical, without charge, from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (www.sec.gov) or, without charge, from Microtek Medical at www.microtekmed.com. This announcement is neither a solicitation of a proxy, an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Microtek Medical.

Microtek and its directors and officers and other members of its management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect to the proposed transaction. Information regarding Microtek’s directors and executive officers is detailed in its proxy statements and annual reports on Form 10-K, previously filed with the SEC, and the proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction, when it becomes available.

Source: Microtek Medical Holdings, Inc.

Contact:
Dan R. Lee, President & CEO, or Jerry Wilson, CFO, or John Mills, Investor Relations, all of Microtek Medical Holdings, Inc.
Tel: 800-476-5973
E-mail: [email protected]