Airgas Announces Sudden Passing of Associate General Counsel.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) regretfully announces the sudden passing of Vice President and Associate General Counsel Todd R. Craun on January 26, 2009. Mr. Craun joined Airgas in 1984, serving in a multitude of legal capacities and developing strong expertise in industry regulation and dispute resolution.

"Todd was one of the most genuine people that I have known, and the contributions he made to Airgas during his 25 years of service cannot be measured," said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "He helped infuse the quality of his character into the culture of our company, bestowing integrity, loyalty, and kindness in the ordinary course of his actions. This is an enormous loss, and we extend our sincere condolences to Todd's family and loved ones."

About Airgas, Inc.

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, 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.