Laboratory Fume Hoods
Labs USA supplies a complete range of laboratory fume hoods for chemistry labs, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial testing environments. From ducted chemistry hoods to ductless filtration cabinets and specialized containment systems, we help you select, design, and install the right ventilation solution.
Call (801) 717-8834 or request a free lab design quote.
Types of Fume Hoods
| Type | Best For | Ventilation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Fume Hood | General chemistry, organic solvents | Ducted (external exhaust) | $3,000–$8,000+ |
| Bench-Top Fume Hood | Small labs, limited space | Ducted or ductless | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Ductless Fume Hood | Low-hazard chemicals, teaching labs | Recirculating (filtered) | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Acid Digestion Hood | Perchloric acid, HF, strong acids | Ducted with wash-down | $8,000–$15,000+ |
| Exhaust Snorkel | Point-source extraction, soldering | Ducted (flexible arm) | $500–$2,000 |
| Radioisotope Hood | Radioactive materials handling | Ducted with HEPA | $10,000–$20,000+ |
| Glovebox Fume Hood | Inert atmosphere, moisture-sensitive | Sealed with glove ports | $5,000–$25,000+ |
What Is a Laboratory Fume Hood?
A laboratory fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that protects lab personnel from inhaling toxic fumes, vapors, and particulates. The hood draws air through the front opening (sash) and exhausts it safely outside the building through ductwork, or filters and recirculates it in ductless models.
Fume hoods are the primary engineering control for chemical safety in laboratories. OSHA, ANSI Z9.5, and NFPA 45 all require fume hoods for work involving hazardous chemicals. Proper face velocity (typically 80-120 feet per minute) ensures containment of vapors inside the hood.
Fume Hood vs. Biological Safety Cabinet
Fume hoods and biological safety cabinets (BSCs) serve different purposes:
- Fume hoods protect the user from chemical vapors — they exhaust contaminated air out of the building
- BSCs protect both the user and the product from biological contamination — they use HEPA-filtered laminar airflow
- Never use a fume hood for biological work, and never use a BSC for chemical work (unless it’s a Class II Type B2 BSC with external ducting)
Read our full BSC vs. Fume Hood comparison →
How to Choose a Fume Hood
- Identify your chemicals — Acid digestion, organic solvents, radioactive materials, and perchloric acid each require specialized hoods
- Determine size — Standard widths: 4′, 5′, 6′, and 8′. Choose based on your work area needs
- Ducted vs. ductless — Ducted hoods are required for hazardous chemicals. Ductless hoods work for low-hazard applications where duct installation is impractical
- Check airflow requirements — ANSI Z9.5 recommends 80-120 fpm face velocity for general chemistry hoods
- Consider energy efficiency — Variable air volume (VAV) controls can reduce HVAC costs by 50-70%
Related Products
- Laboratory Casework — Base and wall cabinets to complement your fume hoods
- Lab Workstations — Adjacent work surfaces for sample prep
- Cleanrooms — Controlled environments with integrated ventilation
- Modular Lab Benches — Flexible bench systems for reconfigurable labs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a laboratory fume hood cost?
Standard ducted chemistry fume hoods cost $3,000-$8,000 for the hood unit. Installation (ductwork, blower, controls) adds $3,000-$10,000+ depending on your facility. Specialized hoods (acid digestion, radioisotope) cost $8,000-$20,000+. Labs USA provides free quotes with installation estimates.
What face velocity should a fume hood maintain?
ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 recommends 80-120 fpm (feet per minute) face velocity at the sash opening for standard chemistry hoods. Higher-hazard applications may require 100-150 fpm. Your fume hood should be tested annually by a certified technician.
Can I use a ductless fume hood for all chemicals?
No. Ductless hoods use carbon or HEPA filters and are only suitable for specific, low-hazard chemicals. They cannot be used for carcinogens, radioactive materials, perchloric acid, or unknown chemical mixtures. Always consult the filter manufacturer’s chemical resistance chart.
How often should fume hoods be tested?
OSHA and ANSI Z9.5 recommend annual performance testing (face velocity, containment) by a qualified technician. Many institutions test semi-annually. Daily visual checks (sash position, airflow indicator) should be part of your lab safety routine.
Need help selecting the right fume hood? Call (801) 717-8834 or request a free consultation. Our team will help you choose the right hood for your application, budget, and facility.