AIR > Overview

Air quality is generally regulated under the Clean Air Act.

Laboratory hoods are intended to hold or capture airborne hazards and remove them from the work area of the lab to protect lab personnel. The hazardous components may pass through some type of filtering system, however, they are frequently discharged directly to the outside air.

Most research activities in laboratory hoods will be exempt from permitting and reporting requirements. Also there are separate regulations that govern the emission of certain highly hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride, mercury, radionuclides and biological organisms.

Check with your institution’s EH&S department or local regulatory agencies when planning activities that may result in the emission of chemicals to the air through laboratory hoods. Continue on through the expanded section of this EVC activity to learn more about issues with laboratory hoods.