During a typical day in a lab, science technicians must handle a variety of chemicals in order to develop new solutions that benefit different industries. Because most substances produce fumes that are toxic, lab employees must implement procedures to increase safety without decreasing productivity. Although there are numerous options that offer unique benefits, specific tools must be used in an environment where hazardous chemicals are handled. If you need something that can help you complete important tasks more efficiently in your lab, consider investing in a laboratory fume hood. This accessory is extremely helpful because it blocks four commonly used toxic substances.
Ethanol
If you disinfect different pieces of equipment often in your lab, a lab fume hood can be very beneficial. Commercial-grade products that are designed to sanitize items contain a lot of ethanol, which is toxic. In addition, when ethanol is sprayed on an object that’s found near something that’s electrically charged or flammable, a severe injury will occur. By spraying your devices in a lab fume hood, you’ll avoid dangerous situations in the lab.
Formalin
Paraformaldehyde turns into formaldehyde after it’s mixed with a warm solution. This particular elixir is often used during any job that involves immunohistochemistry. If this substance isn’t handled in a contained environment, everyone will be affected by its carcinogenic elements.
Formalin can cause blindness if it’s not handled properly. Although protective eye is highly effective, seasoned lab technicians boost safety by containing the chemical in a fume hood to avoid accidental spills and splashes.
B-Mercaptoethanol
B-mercaptoethanol is a powerful chemical that can cause eye irritations. If this chemical is used in an open environment, everyone will smell a pungent odor, which is strong enough to produce tears. Besides watery eyes, the substance can also cause:
- Skin irritations
- Pneumonitis
- Spasms
Typically, this toxic chemical produces its effects within 15 minutes. You can protect your staff by using a lab hood whenever everyone divides disulfide bonds with B-mercaptoethanol.
Ethidium Bromide
Ethidium Bromide is a highly efficient chemical that changes into nucleic acids. It’s a dangerous substance because it causes mutations. However, the level of danger greatly depends on the amount of the chemical that’s used. If a pinch of Ethidium Bromide is mixed in the fume hood, the risks are lower.
Important Requirements
The process of using a chemical fume hood can be a bit challenging since there are so many options available. However, by following a few steps, you won’t run into major problems while tackling a lab project.
Because a chemical fume hood operates nonstop, you must check the pressure gauge regularly. Health issues usually occur when a gauge isn’t inspected before the equipment is used.
After you buy a new unit, examine the surface underneath the hood. In this location, you’ll find a label that describes the system’s airflow capabilities.
Overall, when a laboratory fume hood is used in an industrial environment, productivity increases dramatically. This is possible because workers won’t have to worry about toxic fumes that can slow down important projects.