The Great Fume Hood Debate

The great fume hood debate goes on and is outlined very well in this R&D article. Basically, a more surgical approach needs to be applied when selecting hoods. Individual lab spaces and even individual lab hoods need to be planned for actual long term perceived use without compromising safety. I highly recommend the following approach:




1. Consider the possibility of isolating the use of more hazardous chemicals to a single lab or a single hood sized for traditional flow types.

2. Low to moderate hazard chemicals can then be grouped and utilized in the newer low flow hoods.

3. The lowest hazard of chemicals can then be utilized in a recirculating hoods with carbon or other appropriate filtration.

4. Depending on the primary science that takes place, the lowest consuming hood type should be utilized for any use at benches dedicated to single researchers.

5. Other hoods can be located for optimal sharing at strategic points throughout the lab.