Inadequate Laboratory Ventilation: An All Too Common Reason for Major Safety and Operational Problems Down the Road

Laboratory exhaust ventilation is expensive. Estimates range from $20-70/CFM to install and $3-$12/CFM to operate depending on local costs and system design. Hoods are an added expense ranging from $200-$400/linear foot to purchase and install. Hood controls add another $1,000-$3,000 per hood. This means it is not uncommon for ventilation systems to account for 15-40% of the total cost of a new laboratory. Hence it is not surprising that designers, contractors, and management all want to minimize the amount of exhaust provided to lower the cost of a new or modified laboratory.