Tuesday, May 10, 2005 THE SAGINAW NEWS MIDLAND

Dow Chemical Co. is facing mounting pressure from investors to disclose risks from scientific and legal trends targeting Dow's toxic chemical production.

A shareholder resolution will come before the Board of Directors at Thursday's annual meeting here.

The meeting takes place in the wake of an April 27 U.S. Supreme Court decision. The decision in Bates v. Dow AgroSciences affirmed the right of citizens to sue chemical manufacturers for harm caused by their pesticides.

The Supreme Court ruled against Dow AgroSciences and the Bush administration, which had claimed that federal pesticide laws shield chemical manufacturers.

Dissident shareholders contend the company's financial reports inadequately assess how new trends may increase liability and constrict the company's product lines.

Also, new laws in Europe may force the phaseout of harmful chemicals, which could affect the company's bottom line.

Some shareholders want the company to account for the impacts of the changing science and new public policies that are targeting chlorpyrifos (Dursban), dioxins and other toxics associated with Dow.

In addition, Dow continues under fire for failing to provide compensation and cleanup for 150,000 residents of Bhopal, India, who still are suffering from a chemical factory explosion that occurred 20 years ago.

In a letter to the board, shareholders want assurance that Dow is fairly presenting the company's financial condition, especially in light of ongoing criminal and civil litigation, and reputational damage associated with unresolved issues in Bhopal. v

© 2005 Saginaw News

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