Environmental Health and Safety prohibits the acquisition of ductless fume hoods in laboratory environments due to safety concerns for people and property. Unlike traditional ducted fume hoods, which vent hazardous fumes and chemicals outside the laboratory through a dedicated ventilation system, ductless fume hoods rely on internal filtration systems to remove specific contaminants. These filters can become saturated with flammable chemicals which can be a fire hazard. The filters also become less effective over time and require special handling and disposal requirements, potentially exposing personnel to harmful substances. Additionally, ductless fume hoods may not adequately handle certain volatile or toxic chemicals, posing a significant risk to both researchers and the surrounding environment. To ensure optimal safety and compliance, laboratories should only utilize dedicated ducted fume hoods.
