What is the primary purpose of a fume hood in a laboratory?

The primary purpose of a fume hood in a laboratory is to evacuate hazardous or volatile fumes. A fume hood is an essential safety device designed to provide a controlled environment for handling potentially dangerous substances. When a chemical reaction occurs or when hazardous materials are manipulated, fumes, vapors, or aerosols can be released into the air. The fume hood ventilates these harmful substances away from the user and towards a filtration or exhaust system, thereby protecting lab personnel from inhalation hazards.

Using a fume hood ensures that the air quality within the laboratory remains safe and mitigates the risk of chemical exposure. This functionality is crucial in laboratories where volatile chemicals are frequently used, making the hood an indispensable tool in maintaining a safe working environment. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a fume hood, which is specifically focused on the removal of airborne contaminants rather than chemical storage, cooling, or weighing processes.