A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore

The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers. The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 45.8%. 10.4% of the workers were found to be using the wrong respiratory protective devices. Age, years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage of respirators. Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were 'breathing difficulty', 'hot & sweaty', and 'respirator smells after a while'.