Ventilation hoods are essential in catalysis for several reasons: - Safety: Catalytic reactions often involve volatile, toxic, or flammable chemicals. Ventilation hoods help to contain and exhaust harmful fumes, reducing the risk of exposure and explosion. - Air Quality Control: Maintaining clean air is vital for accurate experimental results. Ventilation hoods prevent contamination of the laboratory environment by removing pollutants. - Regulatory Compliance: Laboratories must adhere to safety regulations and standards. Proper use of ventilation hoods ensures compliance with OSHA guidelines and other regulatory bodies.