Midland, MI - August 16, 2006

Effective September 1, 2006, Dow will increase its price for all Pure and Polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by $0.10/pound. This price adjustment applies to all polyurethane market segments and end-use applications in the United States and Canada.

“Rising energy and raw material costs continue to have a dramatic impact on our production costs and margins,” says Tom Feige, North American product manager, Dow Polyurethanes. “In particular, the price of benzene has risen drastically, making this price increase necessary to help restore margins for our MDI product offering to more sustainable levels.”

About Dow Polyurethanes

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 and formulated systems are used in rigid foams, flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, and elastomers, as well as many other applications. Dow also offers the latest in polyol technology with its VORANOL™ VORACTIV™ polyols, part of an ongoing initiative by Dow to lead the industry in providing high-performance products with reduced VOC-emissions. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com, www.pusystems and www.voractiv.com

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

For Editorial Information:

Myra Dean
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 638-6969

Anisha Shah
Gibbs & Soell, Inc.
(212) 697-2600, ext. 228