Buffalo Filter Unites with Premier Group

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Buffalo, New York, August 31, 2007 – Buffalo Filter, a leading worldwide manufacturer of advanced medical devices headquartered in Buffalo, NY, announced today, that it has been awarded the Premier contract agreement for surgical smoke evacuation systems and accessories. The dates of the agreement are September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2010.

Buffalo Filter designs and manufactures products to evacuate and filter hazardous smoke plume and/or aerosols that are generated in over 95% of all surgical procedures. This plume and/or aerosols are by-products of surgical instruments such as lasers, electro-surgical pencils, ultrasonic devices and other surgical devices. Studies have shown that surgical smoke plume contains toxic gases, organic particulate, inorganic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, cyanide, and carbon monoxide, as well as viruses and bacteria. Exposure to theses toxins may cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches, fatigue, nausea, weakness, and serious illness.

“The obtainment of the Premier agreement signifies the increasing concern within the healthcare community relating to the hazards associated with the inhalation of surgical smoke and aerosols” said Dan Palmerton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Buffalo Filter. “As leaders in the industry for smoke evacuation technologies, the Premier agreement allows us to continue our efforts to educate healthcare professionals as to the hazards faced when exposed to surgical smoke.”

Exposure to surgical smoke remains a major concern despite directives from organizations such as the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) that state that provisions should be undertaken to control airborne hazards and the spread of infectious disease through transmission of bloodborne pathogens. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a Hazard warning indicating what measures, including the use of smoke evacuation systems, should be undertaken to protect the health and welfare of the individuals exposed to surgical smoke. “Education as to the hazards of surgical smoke inhalation is critical in protecting the healthcare professionals that care for us and our loved ones” said Dan Palmerton “More efforts are needed to disseminate information relating to the hazards that individuals are being exposed to on a daily basis”

Premier is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and represents over 1,500 hospitals and over 42,000 healthcare sites throughout the United States. More information can be found at www.premierinc.com.

Buffalo Filter was founded in 1991 in Buffalo, NY as a small, privately-owned company manufacturing a complete line of filtration media and smoke evacuation systems. In 1995, the company was acquired by Medtek Devices and has subsequently developed in to a leadership position in the area of surgical smoke evacuation. Through its partnerships with other healthcare suppliers, Buffalo Filter’s products are available under many different brands and integrated in to scores of different surgical equipment systems. Within its own Buffalo Filter brand, the organization offers the latest in smoke evacuation technologies, filters, and accessories directly to the healthcare community. The company’s products are distributed throughout the world through its headquarters in Buffalo, NY. To learn more about Buffalo Filter, visit www.buffalofilter.com or call (800) 343-2324.