A survey of anti-sapstain and anti-borer chemicals used at sawmills in Ghana

A survey of 50 different sized sawmills in and around Kumasi (Ashanti region) and Takoradi (Western region) indicated that as many as eight anti-sapstain and 10 anti-borer chemicals were used mostly by dipping application for the control of sapstain and borer attack in white coloured logs and sawn timber species. Nearly 38 % of the companies still use pentachlorophenol and its derivatives, in spite of their hazardous nature and their ban in many countries. Problems associated with the use of chemicals at sawmills include safety measures associated with handling of chemicals, disposal of effluent, checking of chemical concentration being 1 d for treatment and handling of treated wood. The development of periodic workshops for treatment plant workers to address these and other problems in the industry is recommended. It is further recommended that a search for effective antisapstain and antiborer chemicals be made to replace the banned pentachlorophenol.