Midland, MI - August 31, 2005

Today, two days after hurricane Katrina swept through the U.S. Gulf Coast states, Dow announced that it will contribute $3 million to the hurricane relief efforts. The donation will consist of:

• $1 million in an immediate cash donation to the American Red Cross,
• $1 million match to employee and retiree donations to the American Red Cross, and
• $1 million in product and technology donations for the longer term reconstruction effort.

Dow is also working to provide immediate assistance to its employees in the affected region. With some 7,000 employees at six sites throughout the state of Louisiana, the company's highest priority is the safety and welfare of its employees.

St. Charles Operations, a Union Carbide facility situated alongside the Mississippi River on the outskirts of New Orleans, appears to be the most severely affected of the Louisiana sites. The facility employs nearly 1,100 direct employees and more than 2,000 contract employees, many of whom live in the surrounding towns and have been forced to evacuate their homes. Hotline numbers have been established, and efforts are underway to help employees who need immediate assistance.

"As reports of the devastation from this storm continue to develop, we are all compelled to do whatever we can to help," commented Andrew Liveris, president and CEO. "Our immediate concern, of course, is for employees and their families in the region, but it quickly extends to all of those people who are suffering through this devastating event. Once again, we turn to the Red Cross as the primary agency to receive our monetary support to provide immediate, vital help to the people in need, and urge our employees to also direct their donations there.

"Dow people are known for their community outreach. Today, it is desperately needed here, in our own communities. Our thoughts are with the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. We are committed to helping in the efforts to make sure people get through the immediate disaster, and can go on to recover and re-build."

Additionally, retirees and employees are being asked to donate blood in an effort to replenish supplies lost in the region, and to give their time and effort in assisting their local relief agencies when they ask for volunteers.

About Dow

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. Union Carbide Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.