Laboratory workers are often working in confined spaces where certain chemicals and/or fumes can be dangerous, even lethal. A quality exhaust fume hood can be the first line of defense when it comes to protecting these employees from silent, but deadly, toxins. These hazards include:
- Inhalation of harmful vapors
- Fires or explosions
- Chemical or thermal burns
- Chemical absorption
Understanding how a hood functions in a protectionary manner means understanding the basics of lab fume hood construction.