In Re Dow Chemical Co. "Polystyrene Foam" Products Liability Litigation

OPINION AND ORDER

This litigation consists of four actions pending in two federal districts: three in the District of Minnesota and one in the Western District of Wisconsin. All the actions involve the alleged fire hazards of a cellular plastic insulation material known as “Styrofoam” which is manufactured by Dow Chemical Co. The actions arise from the use of “Styrofoam” as insulation in various agricultural buildings. Plaintiffs in two of the Minnesota actions and the Wisconsin action allege that they have suffered fire losses and structural damages in their buildings because of the…