Scientific publications
2023Journal articleEnglishOpen access
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Scientific publications
F. J. O. Feumba* (Corresponding author)
Evariste Fongnzossie Fedoung
C. L. T. Djuideu
Achille Bernard Biwôlé
Joseph Mfomo Zobo
F M Ngangyou
Patrick Ntonga Akono
Sévilor Kekeunou
European Journal of Sustainable Development Research
The aim of this study was to describe the wood treatment sector in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé (Cameroon). A total of 319 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The respondents were agents of wood depots, sawmills, hardware stores, and carpentry shops. They were asked about the diversity of products used and their perception of the risks and dangers of treatments. The chemical method (40.4%) was the main means of preserving wood against termite attack according to the respondents, followed by the traditional method with 9.4%, the physical method (2.2%) and more rarely, the use of plant extract (0.3%). All the chemicals were found to be hazardous to the environment and human health, with Xylamon being classified as the most hazardous. The physical control methods and those using plant extracts were found to be not at all dangerous for human health and the environment. Notwithstanding concerns for the protection of the environment and human health, toxic and hazardous products are still predominantly used. It would be important to move towards less or non-toxic products.