Midland, MI - October 12, 2005

Effective November 1, 2005, or as contract terms allow, Dow will further increase its prices for the following polyurethane products for all market segments and end-use applications in the U.S. and Canada:

• Pure and Polymeric Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by $0.13/pound. This price increase is in addition to the November 1 MDI price increase (announced September 23) of $0.07/pound, thereby bringing the total price increase to $0.20/pound, effective November 1.
   
• VORANATE* toluene diisocyanate (TDI) by $0.25/pound. This price increase is in addition to the November 1 TDI price increase (announced September 23) of $0.25/pound, thereby bringing the total price increase to $0.50/pound, effective November 1.
   
• VORANOL*, VORALUX* and SPECFLEX* polyether and copolymer polyols by $0.10/pound. This price increase is in addition to the November 1 polyols price increase (announced September 23) of $0.10/pound, thereby bringing the total price increase to $0.20/pound, effective November 1.

The price increases for TDI of $0.10/pound and polyols of $0.06/pound, both effective October 1, 2005, also remain in effect. Additionally, the Benzene surcharge on MDI that Dow implemented on August 9, 2004, to address the high and volatile increases in Benzene costs, remains in effect.

"Costs for energy and raw materials remain high and volatile, and logistical issues continue to impact their availability," said Pat Dawson, Dow business vice president, Polyurethanes and Thermoset Systems. "In the face of these unprecedented and arduous industry challenges, these price increases are necessary to help offset rising costs."

Dow is the world's largest producer of polyether polyols, a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates (such as MDI and TDI) and a major supplier of propylene oxide, an essential component of polyether polyols. Dow's polyurethanes products are used in rigid foams, flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers, as well as many other applications.

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. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com.

For Editorial Information:

Dan Taylor
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-5005

Elizabeth McDonnell
Gibbs & Soell, Inc.
(212) 697-2600