Boiling Ethanol & Using a kitchen exhaust hood instead of a fume hood

In summary, the person is doing a lab at home on photosynthesis and has questions about safety while boiling leaves in ethanol. They ask if it is safe to boil denatured alcohol and if a kitchen exhaust hood would suffice. The response is that the denatured alcohol is not very toxic and small volumes should not pose a major health risk. However, caution should be taken to prevent the alcohol from inflaming. It is also mentioned that a kitchen exhaust cannot replace a fume hood and the best approach would be to boil the ethanol outside using a heat source without an open fire.
  • #1
Syntax__Error
1
0
Hi, I'm doing a lab at home on photosynthesis for biology, in which I have to boil leaves in ethanol, and I have a few questions about safety for this. First of all, is it at all safe to actually boil denatured alcohol/ethanol, especially where people might inhale it? And depending on how safe that is, would an average kitchen exhaust hood be an at least somewhat adequate replacement for a fume hood if I were to boil denatured alcohol under it?
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Usually alcohol is denaturated with extremely bitter tasting substances, but not very toxic ones. So I don't think there are major health risks, especially if volumes are small.
Be careful that the alcohol does not inflame. Some fume hoods have filters made from inflamable material (especially if saturated with fat), but that's a much bigger problem if you flambe something in the kitchen.
 
  • #3
In general kitchen exhaust can't replace the fume hood, ever.

In this particular case, as long as we are talking about milliliters (as opposed to high volumes) my main concern would be not fumes that you can inhale, but the risk of fire.

Best approach would be to boil the ethanol out outside, using heat source without an open fire.

Edit: DrDu was faster.
 
  • #4
Syntax__Error said:
Hi, I'm doing a lab at home on photosynthesis for biology,...
That is soooo unlikely.
 
  • #5


I highly recommend against boiling ethanol in a home setting, especially without proper equipment such as a fume hood. Ethanol is a highly flammable substance and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Additionally, inhaling ethanol vapors can be harmful to your health.

Using a kitchen exhaust hood instead of a fume hood is not a safe alternative. Kitchen exhaust hoods are designed to remove smoke and cooking odors, not hazardous chemicals. They may not effectively remove the ethanol vapors and could potentially spread them throughout your home.

I strongly advise that you conduct this experiment in a laboratory setting with the appropriate safety equipment, including a fume hood. If that is not possible, I suggest finding an alternative method for your photosynthesis lab that does not involve boiling ethanol. Your safety should always be the top priority in any scientific experiment.
 

FAQ: Boiling Ethanol & Using a kitchen exhaust hood instead of a fume hood

1. What is the difference between a fume hood and a kitchen exhaust hood?

A fume hood is a specialized piece of equipment designed to remove hazardous fumes, vapors, and gases from a laboratory setting, while a kitchen exhaust hood is typically used to remove steam, smoke, and odors from cooking in a kitchen. Fume hoods are specifically designed to contain and exhaust hazardous materials, while kitchen exhaust hoods are not equipped to handle the same level of toxicity.

2. Is it safe to use a kitchen exhaust hood for boiling ethanol?

No, it is not safe to use a kitchen exhaust hood for boiling ethanol. Kitchen exhaust hoods are not designed to handle hazardous materials and may not effectively remove all of the toxic fumes produced by boiling ethanol. It is important to use a fume hood specifically designed for this purpose to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

3. Can using a kitchen exhaust hood instead of a fume hood save money?

While it may seem like using a kitchen exhaust hood instead of a fume hood could save money, it is not recommended. Fume hoods are specifically designed for handling hazardous materials and are equipped with ventilation systems that can safely remove and contain these materials. Using a kitchen exhaust hood for this purpose could result in exposure to toxic fumes and potentially costly health and safety consequences.

4. Are there any alternatives to using a fume hood for boiling ethanol?

Yes, there are alternatives to using a fume hood for boiling ethanol. One option is to use a chemical fume hood, which is specifically designed for handling and ventilating hazardous chemicals. Another option is to use a fume hood alternative, such as a portable fume extractor, which can be used in a variety of settings and does not require installation.

5. What precautions should I take when boiling ethanol in a fume hood?

When boiling ethanol in a fume hood, it is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. Always make sure the fume hood is properly functioning and the sash is closed to contain the fumes. It is also important to have a spill kit and fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidents. Never leave the boiling ethanol unattended and always follow proper disposal procedures for any leftover materials.

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