Health hazards in the spraying of cocoa with trichlorphon

Abstract

Spraying with trichlorphon (trade names: Dipterex, Lepidux) is one of the measures recommended for the control of the Pantorhytes weevil in cocoa trees. It involves spraying of foliage, branches and trunks of cocoa trees by motorized portable misting machines every 6 weeks. Because of the danger of poisoning from over exposure to this insecticide, tests have been carried out at Popondetta to determine maximum safe exposure periods for spraymen.