What is the difference between fume hoods and biosafety cabinets?
Fume hoods and biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are both types of laboratory ventilation equipment, but they serve different purposes and provide different levels of protection. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
1. Purpose & Protection
Fume Hoods (Chemical Fume Hood):
Primarily designed to protect the user and lab environment from hazardous chemical fumes, vapors, or dust .
Does not protect the samples/experiments inside from contamination.
Works by drawing air away from the user and expelling it outside or filtering it (depending on the type).
Biosafety Cabinet (BSC):
Designed to provide three types of protection :
Personnel (operator) from harmful biological agents.
Sample/Experiment from contamination.
Environment by filtering exhaust air.
Used for handling biological hazards (e.g., pathogens, cell cultures, viruses) .
Comes in different classes (I, II, III) with varying levels of containment.
2. Airflow & Filtration
Fume Hood :
Typically does not use HEPA filters unless it’s a ducted or recirculating type.
Air is either exhausted outside or filtered and recirculated (less common).
No protection for samples inside.
Biosafety Cabinet :
Always uses HEPA filters to trap biological contaminants.
Class II BSCs (most common) recirculate 70% filtered air back into the lab while exhausting 30% (Type A2/B2).
Class III BSCs (maximum containment) are completely sealed and use glove ports for handling dangerous pathogens.
3. Applications
Fume Hoods → Chemical handling (solvents, acids, toxic gases).
Biosafety Cabinets → Microbiology, virology, tissue culture, handling infectious agents.
4. Safety Standards
Fume Hoods : ANSI/ASHRAE 110, OSHA standards.
Biosafety Cabinets : NSF/ANSI 49 (Class II), WHO & CDC biosafety guidelines.
Key Takeaway:
Use a fume hoods for chemical hazards (to protect the user).
Use a BSC for biological hazards (to protect user, sample, and environment).
Would you like details on specific types (e.g., Class II BSCs vs. laminar flow hoods)?
More Deatils for Email: chinalabfurniture@foxmail.com, Whatsapp : 0086 19970724683.
What is the difference between fume hoods and biosafety cabinets?
Fume hoods and biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are both types of laboratory ventilation equipment, but they serve different purposes and provide different levels of protection. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
1. Purpose & Protection
Fume Hoods (Chemical Fume Hood):
Primarily designed to protect the user and lab environment from hazardous chemical fumes, vapors, or dust .
Does not protect the samples/experiments inside from contamination.
Works by drawing air away from the user and expelling it outside or filtering it (depending on the type).
Biosafety Cabinet (BSC):
Designed to provide three types of protection :
Personnel (operator) from harmful biological agents.
Sample/Experiment from contamination.
Environment by filtering exhaust air.
Used for handling biological hazards (e.g., pathogens, cell cultures, viruses) .
Comes in different classes (I, II, III) with varying levels of containment.
2. Airflow & Filtration
Fume Hood :
Typically does not use HEPA filters unless it’s a ducted or recirculating type.
Air is either exhausted outside or filtered and recirculated (less common).
No protection for samples inside.
Biosafety Cabinet :
Always uses HEPA filters to trap biological contaminants.
Class II BSCs (most common) recirculate 70% filtered air back into the lab while exhausting 30% (Type A2/B2).
Class III BSCs (maximum containment) are completely sealed and use glove ports for handling dangerous pathogens.
3. Applications
Fume Hoods → Chemical handling (solvents, acids, toxic gases).
Biosafety Cabinets → Microbiology, virology, tissue culture, handling infectious agents.
4. Safety Standards
Fume Hoods : ANSI/ASHRAE 110, OSHA standards.
Biosafety Cabinets : NSF/ANSI 49 (Class II), WHO & CDC biosafety guidelines.
Key Takeaway:
Use a fume hoods for chemical hazards (to protect the user).
Use a BSC for biological hazards (to protect user, sample, and environment).
Would you like details on specific types (e.g., Class II BSCs vs. laminar flow hoods)?
More Deatils for Email: chinalabfurniture@foxmail.com, Whatsapp : 0086 19970724683.
