admin
Every day, people buy and make products that contain chemicals. Unfortunately, these products are not just consumed; they are inhaled by the people who create them or work with them. Therefore, these workers must be put into a safe environment not to be exposed to dangerous chemicals.
All this is done through fume hoods which filter out the gases emitted from chemical reactions. Using fume hoods can be pretty easy and economical while keeping workers safe and healthy. They come in various sizes and are used for a variety of reasons.
- Prevent chemicals from potentially harming
A fume hood is a large enclosure where chemical reactions are conducted, releasing no harmful gases. It usually consists of a large glass window that allows people to look into the reaction while preventing chemicals from escaping and potentially harming bystanders.
A typical modern fume hood will filter out molecules larger than fifteen nanometers. This implies that it removes 99.97% of the material in the air and only allows 0.03% to pass through the filter.
- Easy operation and cleaning
Ease in using the characteristic that the inventors wanted to provide to these fume hoods. They typically have large windows that are easy to open, close, and see-through from various angles. In addition, they usually come with recirculation fans that pull air in and out of the hood without disturbing any chemicals on the table.
This safety and convenience are necessary because many laboratories contain potentially dangerous chemicals which need to be studied but cannot be released into the environment due to health or environmental concerns.
- Cost Efficient
Fume hoods are perfect for use in laboratories because they can remove the need for expensive safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles. However, if fume hoods are mistrusted and not used properly, they can also be dangerous to people in the lab.
They are often created with glass windows to be visible to whoever is working in the lab while preventing chemicals and gases from escaping. However, when a fume hood is misused, gases may escape through tiny cracks or holes, which then may cause the workers to experience shortness of breath or dizziness.
- Help with chemical reactions
Laboratory fume hoods are meant for use in laboratories. However, they also have several other uses which are not directly related to their primary purpose. For example, fume hoods help with chemical reactions because they provide an enclosure that does not allow the gases emitted from chemistry experiments to escape into the environment and harm anyone nearby.
They help slow down or prevent fires that flammable chemicals may cause and prevent any explosions if chemicals react together and create new compounds. In conclusion, laboratories are more likely to use fume hoods when they don’t have the proper safety equipment to protect their workers and the environment
- Universal usage
Laboratories are not limited to just being indoors. They can be used almost anywhere and everywhere as they are designed and made to withstand the elements. Much like fume hoods, there are many benefits associated with having filters on laboratory tables outside of the lab.
They can be used outside of laboratories to dispose of solvents, remove any residual chemicals from a reaction, or even store chemicals that may have a strong odor or harmful effect when left inside the glass.
- Use them at home
Fume hoods are installed and used in laboratories. However, people can also use them in homes with the exact requirements. There is a common misconception that they cannot be used in homes and are only helpful for laboratories; however, this is not true.
Many researchers at universities and companies have been using Laboratory fume hoods for decades, even before the advent of fume hoods. Factories, offices, classrooms, and industrial environments use these products to continue without any unsafe chemicals released into the environment or workplace.
The Conclusion
Lab fume hoods are a great addition to any laboratory. They have been around for years and are also used with almost any chemical or reagent. Even if they do not have a filter already built into them, it is easy to add and done in just minutes. The information mentioned above is why lab fume hoods are popular for most researchers who need help with chemical reactions or when working with dangerous materials in the lab.
