What is a Fume Hood?

Laboratory Fume Hood is a ventilated enclosure designed to contain and exhaust fumes, vapors, mists and particulate matter generated within the hood interior. Fume hood structures are basically boxlike, with an open side (or sides) for access to the interior of the hood. A transparent, movable panel, called a sash, allows the user to restrict or enlarge the hood opening. The hood is connected, via ductwork, to an exhaust fan, usually located on the roof of the building in which the hood is located. The exhaust fan draws air from the room in which the hood is in through the haood opening and out through the ductwork. The speed of the air moving through the hood opening is known as face velocity.