How Does a Fume Hood Work?

By definition, a fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that is designed to limit exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapors or dusts.

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Fume hoods keep employees safe by removing harmful vapors and chemicals out of the work area.

The fume hood begins by pulling air from the room through the sash.

As the air flow works its way through the middle of the fume hood, the hood pushes the harmful gases and fumes toward the slots and baffles.

An exhaust fan situated on the top of the building pulls the air through connected ductwork and releases it into the atmosphere Or, in ductless fume hoods, the air is filtered and recirculated back into the room.

There are certain fume hoods for special uses and some even cater to specific chemicals. It is always best to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use and safety standards to ensure that your hood is efficient and effective.