What does the sign fume in the safety laboratory symbols represent?
The sign “fume” in a laboratory setting warns of potential danger to the respiratory tract from fumes. In other words, if the substance is inhaled, an individual might pass out from lack of oxygen or it could be more serious like burn your airways. The only safe way to deal with a chemical like this is in a highly ventilated area, sort of like the warning you get whenever you use products such as terpintine (paint thinner). If you are in a lab and using chemicals that give off “high fumes”, the best place to deal with this chemical is under a vent hood, which most chemistry labs come equipped with- it is required by OSHA safety standards.
