We can’t speak for all of the pervasive nonfactual news and disinformation currently circulating on every platform of communication, but we can address a topic that for over 50 years has occupied the top R&D scientist in the lab air filtration industry.
The challenge of finding fact-based truth
There has been a great deal of debate these days between how people qualify ‘facts’ and, what someone ‘has heard,’ also known as hearsay. This disparity exists in every industry, culture, profession, and as we bear witness to daily, even in the media. It begs the question: How can anyone know the truth?
We can’t speak for all of the pervasive nonfactual news and disinformation currently circulating on every platform of communication, but we can address a topic that for over 50 years has occupied the top R&D scientist in the lab air filtration industry. These dedicated individuals are employed by Erlab, Inc, and, quite rightly so, take it personally when people doubt the facts behind their life’s work. We are also willing to give the laboratory community they serve, the benefit of the doubt, as they may have read something online or in published materials that they ‘supposed’ to be the facts. This trusting of unverified sources seems to have been adopted as a way to cope with information overload. We all do it.
Getting proven data based solutions
One thing scientists, chemists, and lab technicians will agree on is that the success of their work relies on factual, tried and tested data. Which, by a strange coincidence, is the same process employed by the scientist at Erlab since 1968. This company is the inventor of the ductless fume hood, and the industry leader with over 150,000 ductless fume hoods installed in the US and globally. This tells us they are a thought leader and a trusted source for verifiable data in their profession.
To get answers to some of the most common misinformation in their industry we asked the safety and air filtration experts at Erlab, what objections they face on a daily basis? They refer to it as the ‘myths and the reality’ scenario as they attempt to dispel the misconceptions associated with ductless fume hoods.
Myth #1
The filtered air is returned to the lab space and there are no guarantees that the filtration system will adequately remove the chemical contaminants.
Reality:
Erlab performs rigorous testing of their media and their filters. All testing performed is in adherence to the AFNORTechChningFIlterNFX 15-211 standard, which ensures that the air exhausted is free from chemicals emissions. Erlab’s PhD chemists perform analysis for each customer’s specific chemical handling’s.
A detailed report is then given to the customer stating the filter retention capacity, life cycle of the filter, and means of relevant chemical detection to measure the filters efficiency.
Myth #2
Some of the filters for ductless fume hoods cost a lot and must be disposed of as hazardous waste, which can become expensive.
Reality:
Disposal of the filters falls within the normal PPE process (gloves and glasses). Because of the nature of adsorption and the process we use to improve the reaction between the media and the pollutants, the molecular adhesion is also improved.
Release of any molecule during routine disposal will not occur and is proven with TCLP reports on used filters. Hazardous waste disposal is not necessary.
Myth #3
Determining which filter to use in the hood is often difficult because it is dependent upon chemical use.
Reality:
Erlab’s eValiQuest, a web-based platform, makes this determination simple. The customer is guided through their process and chemical handlings, and is provided real-time data for the appropriate filters and configurations pertaining to their specific application. Erlab’s PhD chemists then perform an analysis to meet client needs and a detailed report is presented with the following results:
- Selection of the appropriate filter type for your chemicals
- Proper configuration of the filtration column for the chemicals used in your hood
- Filter retention capacity
- Proper means of breakthrough detection
About Erlab
Inventor of the ductless laboratory fume hood and worldwide leader since 1968, Erlab’s passion is to focus on the research and development, design, and manufacturing of cutting-edge toxic gas air filtration in the laboratory. As an industry innovator, Erlab is committed to safety, performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability, and has remained number one in the world for ductless fume hoods.
