Laboratory Fume Hoods Explained 2026

Laboratory Fume Hoods Explained

“IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THE HOODS WORK, IT ONLY MATTERS THAT WE HAVE THEM AND THAT PEOPLE ASSUME THEY WORK.”

This callous comment from a laboratory owner who was preparing to build a new laboratory shocked fume hood designer and manufacturer, Chip Albright and convinced him to write this book. Albright’s 40 years in the fume hood industry took him into hundreds of laboratories around the world and exposed the fact that the fume hood is the most misunderstood and misused safety device in most laboratories.

Until now, understanding the complexity of laboratory ventilation systems was a nearly impossible feat for most. This book takes a step by step approach to explaining the interface between the fume hood, the laboratory ventilation system and the building HVAC. It reveals not only the failings of these systems, but suggests solutions for making them better. Albright’s holistic approach to the subject is refreshing and effective. If you own or work in a laboratory, this book is required reading.

FINALLY, A SINGLE SOURCE THAT INCLUDES:

• the history of the fume hood

• a detailed explanation of how a fume hood works

• why most fume hoods do not perform effectively

• why all laboratory users should be concerned

• how to ensure that your laboratory fume hood is actually keeping your laboratory safe

Meet the Author

Chip Albright is an international business consultant with over 40 years of experience in the laboratory furniture and fume hood industry. His extensive involvement in observing, designing, and testing laboratory ventilation systems around the world has given him a unique knowledge of how these systems work to create safe laboratory environments. Chip has been a major player in creating standards through his work with SEFA and is a sought-after speaker on the subject of fume hood safety. Chip’s consulting firm, Creative Solutions, is based in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.laboratoryfumehoodsexplained.com Through his company, Fume Hood Certified LLC, Chip continues to mentor the next generation and create smarter testing tools, always driven by a simple mission: making labs safer, one fume hood at a time.