A fume hood is a large equipment which encloses a work area having five sides. The main function of a laboratory fume hood is to protect the personnel of a laboratory by preventing contaminants such as mists, dust and chemical vapours. Fume hoods are laboratory equipment which are evaluated every year for their proper function. 

Moreover, To hide the exhaust ductwork, they are often set back against the walls. laboratory fume hoods have a space for a light source but are often dark inside due to their shape. The front opening of a fume hood is made up of glass which is raised and lowered by a counterbalance mechanism.