SAWMILL

This study was conducted to examine the preservatives and pesticide usage in some sawmills in Ovia North East Local Government Area Benin City. This study adopted purposive sampling techniques. Data collection, involved field survey and the field survey involved using questionnaires to collect data in conformity with the objectives. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as, frequency distribution table, mean, and percentages. The majority (98%) of the respondents were male and the age distribution showed a predominance of relatively young workers. Most (63.1%) of the workers were married, and the educational distribution of respondents shows that the largest group has completed senior secondary school (34.5%), Work experience was also diverse, with a substantial number of experienced workers in the industry. Khaya spp (Mahogany), Milicia excelsa (Iroko), Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche), and Lovoa trichilioides (African Walnut) were among the most commonly supplied species. The source of timber supply to the sawmill indicated a higher percentage from natural forests and from another sawmill. While using naturally rot-resistant wood was a common method of treatment, the presence of wood- attacking insects of the order: Isoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera posed challenges to wood preservation. Chemical preservatives like Solignum and Attack were widely used. Pesticides and preservatives are used to protect wood products against these insect attacks, thus extending their lifespan. The method of application of preservatives and pesticides showed that brushing and spraying were the most prevalent methods. Based on the study and results obtained, the following recommendations are suggested: Sawmill operators should explore and adopt environmentally friendly wood preservation methods, such as heat treatment, borate-based preservatives, and naturally rot-resistant wood species. This will help minimize environmental impacts and enhance the industry's eco-friendliness.