What Is a Chemo Hood?

In many scientific and educational careers, experiments using chemicals are common. Many of these experiments, however, release harmful chemicals into the air that can be toxic if inhaled. "Chemical hoods," also called "chemo hoods," reduce this exposure and protect against fumes.

Function

• Chemical hoods, also called "chemo hoods," are sealed compartments with ventilation systems designed to eliminate toxic fumes. Typically, the ventilation system moves chemical fumes to an external area.

Use

• Chemo hoods are most commonly used in laboratory environments where chemical experiments are performed. In these environments, many repeat experiments are typically conducted, generating a large amount of toxic material that must be ventilated.

Design

• In addition to ventilating fumes, chemo hoods must also be sealed to prevent any chemicals from escaping. Chemo hoods are also designed to be resilient and durable. This allows them to remain intact in case of changes in pressure caused by experiments.

Exhaust

• The exhaust system of a chemo hood is typically installed on the roof of a facility, allowing gases to vent without harm. Fans are commonly used to maintain negative pressure, which prevents exhaust toxic fumes from re-entering the hood.

Filtering

• In installations where outside ventilation is not possible, chemo hoods are able to recirculate exhaust through filters. These filters remove harmful chemicals, allowing the chemo hood to be used indoors safely.