A fume hood is a crucial piece of equipment used in laboratories to safely handle hazardous chemicals, volatile compounds, or fumes that could pose a health risk if inhaled or come into contact with the skin. The primary purpose of a fume hood is to protect laboratory personnel and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals and fumes. It achieves this by containing and exhausting hazardous substances away from the laboratory worker. Fume hoods are used in various fields including chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, and research laboratories where hazardous substances are handled. They are essential for performing tasks such as chemical reactions, solvent evaporation, and handling of volatile chemicals. In summary, fume hoods provide a controlled environment for safely handling hazardous substances in laboratories, protecting both laboratory personnel and the environment from potentially harmful chemical exposures.