Midland, MI - October 02, 2006

The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) is increasing prices globally for CELLOSIZE™ hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) by 5 to 10 percent, depending on grade and market, effective November 1, 2006 or as contracts allow.

“Rising energy costs are a challenge for the chemical industry, and these price changes are necessary to partially offset continually increasing energy and raw material costs,” said Eunice Heath, global business director.  “In addition, they will allow us to continue to develop new products, technologies and restore the ability to invest in future CELLOSIZE capacity.”

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 further information, visit Dow’s website at www.cellosize.com.

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow

For Editorial Information:

Jennifer Sigsworth
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-1113