Dow Improves the Health of Your Floor

Dalton, GA - February 20, 2006, For a healthy floor, The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) prescribes carpet backed with its high-performance polyurethane technology. Healthcare facilities demand flooring that can handle a host of specific issues from hygiene to durability - while still looking great. To further address these concerns, Dow is exhibiting at the 2006 International Conference and Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design and Construction (PDC), which will be held February 26-March 1 in San Diego, California.

During the planning and design stages, today’s healthcare facilities are faced with a list of special issues to consider including how to create a flooring that offers superior performance, ergonomics and durability. Dow polyurethane technology is designed to improve a carpet’s performance, no matter what the conditions. It enables carpet to accommodate health industry concerns like roller mobility, heavy traffic, odors, spills, stringent safety requirements, aggressive wear and tear and more.

Backings made with Dow polyurethane technology offer excellent adhesion to the carpet’s yarn, which maintains outstanding tuft bind for the life of the carpet - even in the most intensive use situations. To further extend the life and appearance of the carpet, a functional liquid barrier can be added to the backing. It impedes fluids and dirt from penetrating the carpet’s subfloor, reducing odors and staining. It also allows for an aggressive maintenance program, including hot water extraction.

DOW™ ENFORCER™ Technology is the ideal solution for healthcare and assisted living facilities, offering exceptional durability and performance, combined with a functional liquid barrier. For non-cushioned backing, ENFORCER Technology provides easy mobility for wheel chairs, carts and hospital beds. It’s perfect for areas such as lobbies, administrative offices, cafeterias and even hospital rooms.

Cushioned carpet backing made with DOW™ ENHANCER™ Technology1 reduces the chance of slips compared with hard surfaces, allows for wheeled mobility and reduces leg fatigue (in nurse’s stations, for example). Plus, it decreases noise levels, helping to create a quiet environment for patients and staff.

“At Dow, we’re focused on developing polyurethane technology that helps carpet perform above customer expectations,” said Scott Lowrie, Business Manager for Dow Polyurethane Floor Coverings Group. “The healthcare industry comes with very high expectations that are a necessary part of ensuring patient health. That’s why Dow polyurethane carpet backing technology is an excellent fit for healthcare facilities that demand the best in performance, safety, durability and appearance.”

To learn more about Dow polyurethane backing solutions for the healthcare industry, be sure to visit us at booth #320 during the International Conference and Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design and Construction at the San Diego Convention Center, February 26- March 1.

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.

®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
1 To offer these benefits, ENHANCER Technology must be used together with a polyurethane pre-coat.

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Janet Hansen

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The Dow Chemical Company

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