Is general ventilation considered the primary means of controlling exposure to volatile toxic products in the lab?

General ventilation is not considered the primary means of controlling exposure to volatile toxic products in the laboratory. The primary control measures for handling hazardous substances typically involve using more targeted approaches such as local exhaust ventilation systems, which effectively capture and remove contaminants directly at the source before they can disperse into the general laboratory environment.

While general ventilation can dilute airborne contaminants, it does not provide specific protection against localized spills or emissions of toxic vapors. The effectiveness of general ventilation is also heavily influenced by factors such as air flow patterns and the design of the ventilation system, which may not always adequately prevent exposure.

In contrast, local exhaust systems, fume hoods, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are more reliable methods for ensuring safety when working with volatile toxic products. This makes it clear why general ventilation is not deemed the primary control method.