The Role of a DUSMO Fume Hood in Laboratory Air Quality

In laboratory environments, air quality isn't just about comfort — it's about safety, compliance, and performance. Effective containment of hazardous fumes is essential, especially when working with volatile chemicals or biological agents. Enter the DUSMO fume hood — a smart, responsive solution that’s changing the way laboratories manage airflow.

What Does DUSMO Mean?

DUSMO stands for Dynamic User Setpoint Monitoring — a control strategy that allows fume cupboards to automatically adjust airflow based on real-time conditions and user behaviour. Rather than operating at a constant rate (as with traditional CAV systems), a DUSMO fume hood increases or decreases extraction volume depending on factors like:

• Sash position
• Room occupancy
• Time-of-day schedules
• User-set safety thresholds

In short, it delivers the right amount of ventilation when it’s needed — and scales back when it’s not.

How a DUSMO Fume Hood Enhances Laboratory Air Quality

Air quality in laboratories depends on how efficiently contaminants are captured at the source. A DUSMO fume hood improves this process by responding dynamically to what’s happening in the lab at any given moment.

Key Benefits:

• Optimised Containment: If the sash is raised or activity increases, the system ramps up airflow to maintain safe face velocities (typically 0.5 m/s at 500mm).
• Reduced Energy Use: During periods of low usage, the system reduces extraction rates, easing the burden on HVAC infrastructure — lowering energy bills without compromising safety.
• Improved Balance: By integrating with room pressure and occupancy sensors, DUSMO helps maintain overall airflow balance, preventing turbulence and improving comfort for users.

Smart Safety Meets Sustainable Design

Fume cupboards are one of the most energy-intensive elements in a laboratory — often running 24/7, regardless of need. By implementing DUSMO-controlled hoods, laboratories can:

• Achieve measurable energy savings
• Extend the lifespan of extraction equipment
• Meet BREEAM, WELL, and LEED sustainability standards
• Provide a safer, quieter, and more responsive working environment

This makes DUSMO particularly relevant for universities, R&D facilities, and pharmaceutical labs where airflow demand fluctuates throughout the day.

Planning a New Lab or Refurbishment?

If you’re designing a lab from scratch or looking to modernise outdated extraction systems, it’s worth considering a DUSMO fume hood from the outset. The Fume Cupboard Company offers tailored solutions that bring together compliance, performance, and long-term value — all built around intelligent airflow strategies like DUSMO.