Basic Information

What is a Laboratory Fume Hood
A laboratory fume hood is a ventilated enclosure where harmful fumes and vapors can be handled safely. The purpose of the hoods is to caputure, contain and remove contaminants, preventing their escape into the laboratory. This is accomplished by drawing contaiminants within the hoods work area away from the operator, so that inhalation and contact are minimized.

Airflow into the hood is achieved by an exhaust blower that pulls air from the laboratory room into and and through the hood and exhaust system. This pull at the opening of the hood is measured as face velocity. Air is then filter to the outside (Ducted Hoods) or filtered using carbon and Hepa filters (Ductless Hoods).

Benefits of ductless hoods over ducted hoods:

• No ducting installation expenses
• Little disruption to existing lab work duing installation
• Flexibility in location and movement
• No loss of heated or air conditioned air
• No release of toxins into the environment

Types of Hoods

1. Traditional Fume Hood
2. Educational Hoods
3. Downflow workstations
4. Storage Cabinets
5. Fuming Chambers
6. Forensic Cabinets