RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced its AiRx(TM) Diesel Exhaust Fluid has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful diesel exhaust pollutants. API certification verifies that manufacturers and distributors are operating in compliance with industry standards and that DEF meets quality standards. Airgas, the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, markets Airgas AiRx Diesel Exhaust Fluid through Airgas Specialty Products.

"In order to meet 2010 clean air regulations, most diesel truck manufacturers are using SCR technology in all new models," said Ted Schulte, Airgas Specialty Products president. "With this technology, DEF is injected into the exhaust stream to break down harmful nitrogen oxides, NOx, into inert nitrogen and water."

According to Schulte, Airgas has been providing pollution control solutions for air quality since the early 1980's.

"Our nitrogen oxide abatement, or DeNOx, experience with stationary applications, such as coal- and natural gas-fired power plants, served us very well in creating Airgas AiRx to work with diesel engine SCR technology in mobile applications," Schulte continued.

Available in a variety of package sizes ranging from one-gallon containers to bulk trailers, Airgas AiRx is supplied to truck stops, fuel retailers, private fleets, and lubricant/fuel distributors nationwide.

With more than 5,000 vehicles, Airgas maintains one of the largest private truck fleets in the country and will be using Airgas AiRx Diesel Exhaust Fluid in all of its new trucks that use SCR technology.

For information on Airgas AiRx Diesel Exhaust Fluid specifications and availability, call 1-866-977-4DEF.

About Airgas, Inc.

Based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, the fifth largest producer of atmospheric merchant gases in North America, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog, and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Airgas, Inc.

Media Contact:

Jay Worley, 610-902-6206

jay.worley@airgas.com

or

Investor Contact:

Barry Strzelec, 610-902-6256

barry.strzelec@airgas.com

Source: Airgas, Inc.

<<Business Wire -- 09/18/2009>>