E-Z-EM Launches New CO(2) Insufflator for Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. -- E-Z-EM, Inc. (NASDAQ:EZEM) today announced the launch of the CO(2)EFFICIENT(TM) Endoscopic Insufflator, a new device for insufflating the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gas. Based on the Company's popular PROTOCO(2)L(TM) device for CT Colonography, CO(2)EFFICIENT provides a quick and easy way to adapt the use of CO(2) gas insufflation to procedures such as Colonoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and Enteroscopy. The Company is exhibiting the device at the Digestive Disease Week convention in Los Angeles, CA from May 21-24, 2006.

Insufflation is the process of distending a portion of the GI tract for visual inspection. CO(2)EFFICIENT is designed to easily attach to the endoscope's water bottle, and eliminates the need for the cumbersome system of specialized CO(2) air/water valves, regulators, and flow meters previously required for CO(2) insufflation in endoscopy. CO(2)EFFICIENT's proprietary software system also regulates the flow of CO(2) gas, providing greater ease of use for the physician while also minimizing CO(2) waste.

Studies have shown that CO(2) gas is a superior medium for insufflation as compared to room air since it is more readily absorbed by the body and expelled through the lungs, thus minimizing the cramping and other patient discomfort commonly associated with room air. When used for longer endoscopic procedures such as Colonoscopy, ERCP or Enteroscopy, insufflation with CO(2)EFFICIENT may help shorten recovery time, reducing the burden on staff and potentially increasing workflow.

Commenting on the announcement, Anthony A. Lombardo, President and CEO of E-Z-EM, said, "We developed CO(2)EFFICIENT to extend to the GI endoscopy lab the benefits of CO(2) insufflation radiologists have experienced with our PROTOCO(2)L device in CT Colonography. CO(2)EFFICIENT is a design that easily connects to all of the major endoscopes on the market. CO(2)EFFICIENT represents a means of improving both patient comfort and efficiency in endoscopy, and we are pleased to introduce this product at this year's DDW meeting."

About E-Z-EM, Inc.

E-Z-EM is a leading manufacturer of contrast agents for gastrointestinal radiology. The Company recently introduced VoLumen(R) the next generation low density barium sulfate suspension for use as an oral contrast in Multidetector CT (MDCT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) studies. The Company also offers Empower(R) -- the only family of CT injectors on the market with patented EDA(TM) technology that can help detect contrast extravasation -- and offers a complete product set for the virtual colonoscopy practitioner. This product line consists of virtual colonoscopy hardware, software, nutritional prep kits and bowel cleaners, tagging agents and a carbon dioxide colon insufflation system. The Company is also the exclusive global manufacturer and marketer of RSDL for first-responder organizations and military services in many countries. RSDL is a liquid skin decontaminant that breaks down chemical agents such as Sarin or VX in seconds, leaving a non-toxic liquid that can be washed away with water.

The statements made in this document contain certain forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or variations of such words and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release may involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include: the ability of the Company to develop its products, the impact of U.S. Distributor consolidation, the impact of Mallinckrodt's return to the marketplace; continued growth in CT injector systems and CT imaging contrast product sales; market acceptance and sales of CO(2)EFFICIENT, successful development and the receipt of regulatory clearance for EZ Chem, market acceptance and future sales of VoLumen(R); future actions by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, overall economic conditions, general market conditions, price increases of raw materials and components, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations as well as the risk factors listed from time to time in the SEC filings of E-Z-EM, Inc., including but not limited to its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2006 and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2005. Consequently, actual future results may differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this release.