MIDLAND, MI - May 22, 2008 - As the full extent of the devastation caused by last week’s earthquakes in China becomes clear, The Dow Chemical Company today announced additional support for long-term rebuilding needs and the launch of a global employee matching gift program.

"The 46,000 Dow employees worldwide - including our 2,500 colleagues in China "“ extend their support to those communities stricken by this tragic natural disaster," said Andrew Liveris, Chairman and CEO of Dow. "The compassion and giving spirit of our Dow employees, combined with funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation and donation of critical Dow products, aim to support the victims and communities in this time of need."

Although nobody working with Dow was injured in the earthquake, and its facilities were not damaged, the magnitude of the devastation and human suffering spurred an immediate response from Dow and its employees. The day after the earthquake struck, the Company made a US$285,000 donation to the China Red Cross, which went to support emergency aid in the Sichuan province. At the same time, a matching gift program was launched for Dow's 2,500 employees in greater China - prompting a participation rate of more than 85 percent and raising an additional US$350,000 for the relief effort within the first week.

Now, the Company has pledged to supplement the initial assistance in a number of ways.

To bolster that initial assistance, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation has approved additional funding of US$430,000 (RMB 3 million) to partner with the China Youth Development Foundation to build five schools in Sichuan, and to ensure the seismic resistance capability of the Project Hope Schools Dow has previously supported.

Dow Water Solutions and Dow Building Solutions teams in China will also contribute two drinking water units with a value of US$285,000 (RMB 2 million) and Dow Styrofoam(TM)brand insulation materials - helping to tackle major challenges related to the supply of clean drinking water and temporary shelters' condition in the affected areas. The water units, from Dow-owned OMEX Environmental Engineering Company, can generate a combined 40 tons of clean water per day, providing drinking water for 6,000 people daily.

Additionally, given employee interest in personally contributing to the relief efforts, a global employee matching gift program has been established in addition to the Greater China matching gift program. The China Relief Fund of the Red Cross has been selected as the recipient of the global employee matching gift program.

Through these contributions, Dow hopes to provide tangible and meaningful aid to the survivors in both the immediate days ahead and into the future as they begin to rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives.

About Dow
ith annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

About The Dow Chemical Company Foundation
Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow's philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities where Dow operates that contribute to community success, support sustainability, foster science in society and stimulate innovation.

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OLD - Dow Chemical Company

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.