Laboratory fume hoods are designed to protect laboratory personnel by preventing contaminants such as chemical vapors, dust, mists and fumes from escaping into the laboratory environment. Laboratory fume hoods also provide lab personnel with a physical barrier to chemicals and their reactions. Fume hoods are evaluated each year to verify their proper operation. They are generally set back against the walls to cover up the exhaust ductwork. Because of their shape, they are generally dim inside but have a provision for a light source. The front opening is made up of glass, able to move up and down on a counterbalance mechanism.

Laboratory fume hoods are designed to protect laboratory personnel by preventing contaminants such as chemical vapors, dust, mists and fumes from escaping into the laboratory environment. Laboratory fume hoods also provide lab personnel with a physical barrier to chemicals and their reactions. Fume hoods are evaluated each year to verify their proper operation. They are generally set back against the walls to cover up the exhaust ductwork. Because of their shape, they are generally dim inside but have a provision for a light source. The front opening is made up of glass, able to move up and down on a counterbalance mechanism.