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Arkansas Business Recognized during Pollution Prevention Week

Release Date: 9/22/1997
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

A Mountain Home medical products manufacturer has been recognized for its long-term work in pollution prevention by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Baxter Healthcare Corp. was awarded a certificate of excellence during Pollution Prevention Week observances by EPA Region 6.

Since Pollution Prevention Week started at the grass roots level in 1992, the third week of September has become an opportunity for government agencies, businesses and community groups to highlight successful programs and emphasize the importance of pollution prevention.

"Baxter Healthcare is an excellent example of applying effective common sense solutions to preserve our natural resources and to protect public health. Since 1970, pollution prevention efforts such as theirs have reduced lead levels in our children's blood by 70 percent and cut in half toxic emissions from industries," Region 6 Acting Administrator Jerry Clifford said.

Additionally, Baxter Healthcare recently won an Environmental Excellence Award from EPA Region 6 for its intensive commitment to pollution prevention. The firm has made remarkable reductions in its toxic emissions and hazardous waste while increasing production almost 50 percent. Today Baxter Healthcare employs almost 2,000 workers.

Participating in EPA's 33/50 Program, the company has reduced its toxic pollutants 92 percent since 1988. Emission of chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs), which destroy the earth's ozone layer, have been reduced from 450,000 pounds in 1989 to a little more than 15,000 pounds in 1996. Since 1989, Baxter Healthcare has reduced its hazardous waste from almost half a million pounds to less than 25,000 pounds. In the last six years, solid waste going to a landfill has been cut almost in half.

"Preventing pollution makes economic sense because it preserves our natural resources and eliminates the expense and liability of pollution cleanup. I urge everyone - citizen, business leader and government official alike - to make a commitment this week to prevent pollution," Mr. Clifford said.