UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) 31 August 2005

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware		1-4534		23-1274455
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

7201 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, Pennsylvania		18195-1501
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(610) 481-4911
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

not applicable

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (See General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

On 31 August 2005, the company issued a press release containing information relating to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the company’s hydrogen production. A copy of the press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K. The information contained in Exhibit 99.1 is being furnished; it is not deemed to be filed.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c)     Exhibits

99.1

Press Release issued by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., dated 31 August 2005.

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX

99.1

Press Release issued by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., dated 31 August 2005.

Exhibit 99.1

		News Release

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
7201 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18195-1501

HURRICANE KATRINA IMPACTS AIR PRODUCTS’
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., August 31, 2005 – Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina has impacted the company’s industrial gas complex in New Orleans, La.

Right now, Air Products’ primary focus is on the safety and welfare of its employees in the area. The company will continue to work with local emergency responders as the impact of Hurricane Katrina is assessed and actions are taken to recover from it.

Although the full extent of the damage to the New Orleans production facilities is unknown at this time, the company will be working to bring operations back on line safely. Restart of the plant will be largely dependent on the availability of power, utilities, communications, other infrastructure access, and the extent of the damage.

Based on initial assessments, damage from the hurricane will affect Air Products’ ability to supply customers with hydrogen from the New Orleans plant for an extended period of time. In addition, the company’s liquid hydrogen production facility at Sarnia, Canada, Ontario will be experiencing a scheduled shutdown due to a temporary suspension of its supplier’s feedgas plant. As a result, the company has declared force majeure for liquid hydrogen at these two industrial gas locations.

In these extraordinary circumstances, Air Products is actively working to assist customers with their supply needs, including obtaining product from other sources and geographies. Communications with all customers are underway.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.comm.