Air quality is regulated by the federal government under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Section 112 of the CAA, regulates the emission of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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 in the CAA. However, there are some states and local regulatory agencies that may have more stringent requirements. Also there are separate federal and local 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 the tour to learn more about CAA issues with laboratory hoods.