Low level noise analysis in laboratory fume hood

Laboratory chemical hood noise is often neglected because it is usually well below control levels mandated by noise exposure standards. However, noise caused by motors and fans is often annoying to those working in a hood for long periods of time. Workers handling ototoxic chemicals such as those found in pharmaceutical setting within the confines of a noisy hood may be more susceptible to hearing damage and a study of noise patterns of hoods is worthwhile. This manuscript presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling technique adapted to predict high levels of noise in a hood, and spectrum measurement conducted to analyze characteristics of the noise.