Why You Should Use Laboratory Fume Hoods
The lab is an area of scientific activity and as such it houses hazardous chemicals. It is also the site of dangerous procedures. Some of these chemicals and procedures are part of industry or they may be relevant to scientific experimentation. They require that lab staff observe safety precautions. One of these is the installation and use of laboratory fume hoods, which should be obligatory in all labs in San Antonio TX.
In appearance and principle, the fume hood is somehow similar to the extractor hood that some kitchens have above their stove. But the fume hood is more complex in how it operates. The extraction of dangerous gases is the basic concept in both, but some lab hoods filter and then recycle the extracted air. This is sometimes necessary where a reaction requires a specific temperature to be maintained in the reaction environment.
There are many hazardous substances in modern science, and qualified staff should be aware of what they are. They should also be aware of the specific chemicals that are used in their angle of chemistry. Where experimental substances are at play, they should know the precautions to take. This is also the case where they are working with unidentified mixtures.
Mercury is a commonly known hazardous chemical. It is usually encountered in liquid form, since it melts at room temperature, even though it is a metal like any other metal. The problem is that, at room temperature, it also evaporates, giving off a small quantity of vaporized metal. When people breathe in this vapor they become poisoned by the metal because the vapor is equally as poisonous as the liquid form.
Mercury poisoning is medically serious and should be avoided. A famous case occurred in Japan, where mercury was leaked into the ocean and about 50 people died. The resultant illness is known as Minimata and is named after the Japanese disaster. In particular, the nervous system is affected and harmed. The damage is permanent.
Another example of a dangerous vapor is sodium hydroxide. This is more commonly known as caustic soda. It is indeed caustic, so much so that inhalation of the dust that rises from it when the powder form is not handled gently can corrode the respiratory tract and the lungs, potentially causing lung cancer. If it is deposited on the skin, it dissolves in the sweat and starts to corrode the tissue.
A more obvious hazard is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a heavy duty corrosive chemical that is used in industry. It is typically marketed in powder form, but if the powder is not handled sensitively, it gives off a fine vapor. This vapor can be breathed in. Once it comes into contact with the interior of the respiratory system it corrodes the tissue there, even in the lungs. This can cause lung cancer. On the skin, it forms a solution with sweat which destroys the skin and the tissue underneath.
Laboratories should only allow qualified workers to handle hazardous substances. There should be no disregard shown to the necessary safety measures. Where noxious gases are inhaled, this can be ignored for a while, but staff may not be aware that they are being affected by the gases. Gung-ho statements by a worker that they are "used to" the hazardous chemical or that it has practically no effect on them are irresponsible and should be disciplined. A fume hood should always be installed if it is necessary.
In appearance and principle, the fume hood is somehow similar to the extractor hood that some kitchens have above their stove. But the fume hood is more complex in how it operates. The extraction of dangerous gases is the basic concept in both, but some lab hoods filter and then recycle the extracted air. This is sometimes necessary where a reaction requires a specific temperature to be maintained in the reaction environment.
There are many hazardous substances in modern science, and qualified staff should be aware of what they are. They should also be aware of the specific chemicals that are used in their angle of chemistry. Where experimental substances are at play, they should know the precautions to take. This is also the case where they are working with unidentified mixtures.
Mercury is a commonly known hazardous chemical. It is usually encountered in liquid form, since it melts at room temperature, even though it is a metal like any other metal. The problem is that, at room temperature, it also evaporates, giving off a small quantity of vaporized metal. When people breathe in this vapor they become poisoned by the metal because the vapor is equally as poisonous as the liquid form.
Mercury poisoning is medically serious and should be avoided. A famous case occurred in Japan, where mercury was leaked into the ocean and about 50 people died. The resultant illness is known as Minimata and is named after the Japanese disaster. In particular, the nervous system is affected and harmed. The damage is permanent.
Another example of a dangerous vapor is sodium hydroxide. This is more commonly known as caustic soda. It is indeed caustic, so much so that inhalation of the dust that rises from it when the powder form is not handled gently can corrode the respiratory tract and the lungs, potentially causing lung cancer. If it is deposited on the skin, it dissolves in the sweat and starts to corrode the tissue.
A more obvious hazard is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a heavy duty corrosive chemical that is used in industry. It is typically marketed in powder form, but if the powder is not handled sensitively, it gives off a fine vapor. This vapor can be breathed in. Once it comes into contact with the interior of the respiratory system it corrodes the tissue there, even in the lungs. This can cause lung cancer. On the skin, it forms a solution with sweat which destroys the skin and the tissue underneath.
Laboratories should only allow qualified workers to handle hazardous substances. There should be no disregard shown to the necessary safety measures. Where noxious gases are inhaled, this can be ignored for a while, but staff may not be aware that they are being affected by the gases. Gung-ho statements by a worker that they are "used to" the hazardous chemical or that it has practically no effect on them are irresponsible and should be disciplined. A fume hood should always be installed if it is necessary.
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Read more about Some Examples Of Hazardous Substances Extracted By Laboratory Fume Hoods.
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