Fume Hood Basics for Better Air

2007-07-18 16:23:30

( Automobiles )



Work in the laboratory can expose scientists and researchers to every kind of nuclear danger and chemical fume available. Nuclear hazards can come from radioactive materials, which many scientists use for a variety of purposes, from quantifying genes, to tracking the activity of molecules. Chemical fumes, on the other hand, can come from volatile materials such as ammonia, pure hydrogen chloride, or sulfuric compounds.

Such materials and fumes are dangerous when inhaled, and they thus require a special receptacle to hold them while scientists work on their experiments. One such receptacle is the fume hood, and the most common types are the chemical fume hoods and escape hood.

Chemical Fume Hoods

A laboratory fume hood is a closed container or room designed to be the first defense of scientists against chemical exposures. The laboratory fume hood is also the best means of protection against deadly vapors, skin burning liquids, or dangerous metals. Laboratory protocols requiring the use of such materials also demand that such experiments be conducted inside a fume hood.

A fume hood can come in many sizes. Small fume hoods contain a vent, which suck out air and vapors from the working area; as well as a filter, which keeps particulate matter out of the experiment. A walk-in hood is a tall and deep chamber: in it are housed larger equipment, such that scientists can walk into the hood and conduct their experiments, all while wearing protective gear and equipment.

A variation on the fume hood is the glove box, which is a small, airtight container used when substances to be handled are very toxic, radioactive, or explosive. The only way such substances can be handled is through a pair of gloves attached to the glove box. The glove box is advantageous in that it protects both the researcher and the product housed in the box.

The Escape Hood

Yet another variation on the fume hood is the escape hood, a wearable chemical fume hood that can be put over one’s head to enable escape from a location where breathing the air can be deadly. An escape hood will contain filters to keep dangerous materials, such as dust, viruses, or bacteria, from being breathed.

There are two main types of escape hoods: smoke hoods protect from vapors and gases due to fire; while other kinds of hoods protect against chemical and biological agents, and nuclear particles. Unlike gas masks, however, escape hoods can be used only once.

Whichever type of hood you need, remember that fume hoods are designed to keep the air clean, your experiment free from contaminants, and you safe from illness or disease. To make sure that your fume hood will last, have it inspected annually, and check it constantly for leaks or damage. This way, your fume hood will serve you best any day of your research year.


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