Fume hoods operate by drawing air from the laboratory into the hood and then through an exhaust system. This process minimizes the potential for contaminants to escape into the laboratory environment. The continuous airflow ensures that any toxic vapors are swiftly removed, reducing the likelihood of inhalation. Some advanced fume hoods are equipped with HEPA filters or other filtration systems that capture and neutralize hazardous materials before the air is released back into the environment.
