10.31.2006 - 09:00am ET

(CSRwire) Midland, MI - The Dow Chemical Company recently published a set of company Principles for Chemical Management Systems. The principles, which were approved by Dow's Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Management Board in June, are an important initial step towards achieving the company's 2015 Product Safety Commitment goals (http://www.dow.com/commitments/goals/product.htm).

These principles describe Dow's views on science-based chemicals management policy, which are fundamental to effective product safety legislation or regulation. Approval and publication of these principles is actually another step in a long legacy of Dow leadership in the area of EH&S. This is consistent with Dow's commitment to Responsible Care® in leading the development of responsible governmental requirements that safeguard our communities, workplaces and the environment.

The principles were originally developed in the late 1990s, as Dow defined its positions on emerging chemicals management policy around the world. Dow shared these positions with other chemical producers at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which adopted similar principles earlier this year. A consistent set of principles is currently being evaluated by the International Council of Chemical Associations, whose Board of Directors is expected to adopt such principles this fall.

"We believe that there needs to be adequate information available to assess potential chemical risks to human health and the environment, and approaches need to be in place to effectively manage those risks,." said Greg Bond, Dow's Corporate Director of Product Responsibility. "These principles will help guide our behavior, our interactions with others in the supply chain and help shape our advocacy with government and other external stakeholders."

The completion of these principles will provide a basis from which to build consensus in the chemical industry for the development of effective chemicals management policy. Furthermore, the principles will guide industry efforts around the world to work with governments and other stakeholders to develop workable and effective chemicals management policies. The principles are available at http://www.dow.com/commitments/goals/principles.htm and are available to the public.

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. 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.

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