Laboratories are very specialized critical environments, as they are used for research experimentation, biomedical analysis, chemical or petrochemical testing, and the like. Settings for laboratories include global universities, chemical facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing; both public and private.

In all cases, noxious fumes or dangerous contagions need to be kept away from research personnel. Correct management of HVAC systems and room pressurization is essential to these safety requirements.

Laboratories in critical environments include fume hood labs, bio-safety laboratories, life sciences labs, and other research environments. In these areas, keeping researchers safe from airborne agents is most important.