3M Canada signs Exclusive Distributor Agreement with ChemDAQ for its Toxic Sterilant Gas Monitoring System

Online, March 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - LONDON, Ont. & PITTSBURGH, Pa. - March 11, 2010 - ChemDAQ Inc., the premier provider of ambient air monitoring systems for low-temperature sterilant gases in healthcare, today announced 3M Canada signed an exclusive distribution agreement for its family of Steri-Trac® products in Canada.

Using a system of simultaneous audible and visual alarms, Steri-Trac continually tracks and analyzes exposure where toxic gases are used and stored. This allows hospitals to comply with CSA Standards and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) regulations. Accidental exposure to these toxic sterilants can pose long-term health risks to hospitals' medical device reprocessing professionals.

"We're very excited about a partnership with 3M, a global leader in infection prevention that understands the importance of worker safety and regulatory compliance," stated Stephanie Wedge, national sales and marketing manager, ChemDAQ Inc. "The 3M partnership allows ChemDAQ to expand its international reach and help more facilities outside of the U.S."

ChemDAQ's Steri-Trac gas monitoring system helps provide a safe work environment for medical device reprocessing department personnel. In the event of an accidental sterilant gas leak, the Steri-Trac systems' "impending alerts" allow facilities to take corrective action before exposure reaches dangerous levels.

"Presenting a solution like Steri-Trac to our customers further extends 3M's ability to provide solutions for the medical device reprocessing department and helps raise awareness of the importance of worker safety and compliance," said Melanie Rice, marketing supervisor, infection prevention solutions, 3M Canada.

Steri-Trac can be customized to manage data acquisition from single, multi-point or mulit-gas installations and displays gas concentrations in each area employees work to assure workplace safety.

About 3M Canada
Established in 1951, 3M Canada Company was one of the first international subsidiaries opened by 3M and remains one of the largest. 3M Canada's head office and original manufacturing site is in London, Ontario where approximately half of the company's 1,800 employees work. Other Ontario plants are located in Ottawa, Toronto, Brockville, and Perth with one in Morden, Manitoba. Sales offices are located in major cities nationwide and a national service network supports customers.

About ChemDAQ, Inc.
ChemDAQ, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the leader in ambient air and emissions monitoring systems for low-temperature sterilization used in sterile processing centers and medical device manufacturers. Customers across the US and international locations rely on ChemDAQ to help ensure a safe work environment and for compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

3M is a trademark of 3M. Used under licence in Canada.
Steri-Trac is a trademark of ChemDAQ Inc.

For further information:
Stephanie Wedge
National Sales & Marketing Manager
ChemDAQ, Inc.
(412) 787-0202 ext 560
swedge@chemdaq.com

Jacqui Newell
Public Relations Coordinator
3M Canada
(519) 451-2500 ext. 2564
jnewell@mmm.com