East Hills, NY and Newbury, OH -- An estimated seven million people become sick and more than 1,000 die in the U.S. each year from disease-causing microbes in water. While everyone is vulnerable to infection from waterborne pathogens, people with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk. The new Purefecta Drinking Water Purifier, introduced today by Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) and Kinetico Incorporated, provides a proven barrier from viruses, bacteria and protozoa. About 25 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population is considered immune compromised including people with cancer, diabetes, asthma, kidney problems, AIDS, transplant recipients as well as infants, young children, pregnant women and the elderly.

By removing pathogens, Purefecta produces biopure (microbiologically purified) water - - the highest quality drinking water available. It is the only drinking water system that surpasses the stringent U.S.E.P.A. Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Purifiers (OPP Task Force Report, 1987) to earn its exclusive certification as a multi-barrier purifier. Its unique seven-stage, process also removes other contaminants found in water including toxic metals, chemicals and pesticides.

Outbreaks of waterborne disease can have a devastating effect on people with compromised immune systems, according to Kelly A. Reynolds, Ph.D., microbiologist, environmental science researcher and public health educator at the University of Arizona. "They are 10 to 1,000 times more likely to die from enteric (intestinal) pathogen infections than a healthy person," Dr. Reynolds says. "When healthy people drink water contaminated with microbial pathogens, it could cause diarrhea. However, for an immunocompromised person, the resulting infection can be untreatable, persistent and even fatal."

Young and Elderly Are Also at Risk
Dr. Reynolds says health problems caused by contaminated drinking water aren't limited to people wi
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Contact: Patricia Iannucci, Media Inquiries
piannucci@pall.com
516-801-9100
Pall Corporation
25-Nov-2003

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