Breathe Easy: Science of Kitchen Ventilation
                     Breathe Easy
The Science of Kitchen Air 
Quality & Ventilation 
Design
An operator's guide to clean air, healthy staff, and efficient kitchens
Why Air Quality Matters in 
Commercial Kitchens
Worker Health Protection
Proper ventilation reduces exposure to harmful vapors, heat, and airborne 
contaminants that can cause respiratory issues and fatigue.
Odor Control
Effective systems eliminate lingering cooking odors that can spread to dining areas and 
impact customer experience.
Equipment Performance
Clean air circulation prevents grease buildup on surfaces and equipment, extending 
lifespan and maintaining efficiency.
Enhanced Dining Experience
Customers enjoy comfortable temperatures and fresh air when ventilation systems 
properly isolate kitchen operations.
How Commercial Ventilation 
Systems Work
1 Capture Components 2 Filtration System
Exhaust hoods positioned over Multi-stage filters remove grease 
cooking equipment capture heat, particles and contaminants from 
smoke, and grease vapor at the exhaust air before it travels 
source using strategic placement through ductwork to exterior 
and proper sizing. exhaust points.
3 Ductwork & Exhaust 4 Make-Up Air Balance
Properly sized and routed ducts Controlled fresh air intake 
transport filtered air to exterior replaces exhausted air, 
exhaust fans, maintaining maintaining proper pressure 
consistent airflow throughout the balance and preventing backdrafts 
system. or smoke recirculation.
The key is achieving negative air pressure in cooking zones while maintaining 
positive pressure in dining areas through balanced airflow management.
Common Ventilation Design Mistakes
Poor Duct Routing
Excessive turns, undersized ducts, or improper slope create airflow restrictions 
and grease accumulation points that reduce system efficiency.
Fan Sizing Issues
Undersized fans can't maintain adequate capture velocity, while oversized fans 
waste energy and create excessive noise without improving performance.
Inadequate Make-Up Air
Without sufficient replacement air, negative pressure causes smoke 
recirculation, difficult door operation, and compromised capture efficiency.
Filter Neglect
Using incorrect filter types, improper installation, or failing to maintain 
cleaning schedules allows grease buildup and reduces airflow capacity.
The Science of Grease Vapor & 
Smoke Capture
Understanding Airflow 
Dynamics
Effective capture requires maintaining minimum airflow velocity of 75-100 feet per 
minute across the hood face. This creates a containment zone that prevents 
grease-laden vapors from escaping into the kitchen environment.
Grease vapor forms when cooking oils are heated above 400°F, creating 
microscopic particles that can travel throughout the kitchen if not properly 
captured. These particles settle on surfaces, creating fire hazards and maintenance 
challenges.
Critical Factors
• Capture velocity must exceed thermal plume speed
• Hood overhang should extend 6+ inches beyond equipment
• Containment zones prevent crosswinds from disrupting 
• captureTemperature differential drives natural convection patterns
How Poor Airflow Affects 
Your Staff
Increased Health Risks Reduced Performance
Elevated CO₂ levels and airborne Heat stress and poor air quality 
contaminants cause headaches, eye increase fatigue, reduce 
irritation, and respiratory problems. concentration, and lead to higher 
Long-term exposure can lead to error rates during food preparation 
more serious health issues. and service.
Compliance Violations
OSHA and local health departments can issue citations for inadequate 
ventilation, resulting in fines and potential operational shutdowns.
Studies show that kitchen workers in poorly ventilated environments experience 
40% higher rates of heat-related illness and respiratory complaints compared to 
properly ventilated facilities.
Best Practices for Long-Term 
Ventilation Health
1 Quarterly Professional Inspections
Certified technicians evaluate system performance, check for grease 
buildup, inspect ductwork integrity, and identify potential issues before 
they become costly problems.
2 Airflow Testing & Balancing
Annual airflow measurements ensure systems maintain design 
specifications. Professional balancing optimizes fan speeds and damper 
positions for maximum efficiency.
3 Smart Controls Implementation
Sensor-driven variable frequency drives automatically adjust fan 
speeds based on cooking activity, reducing energy costs while 
maintaining proper capture velocity.
Proactive maintenance reduces energy costs by up to 30% and extends equipment 
lifespan significantly compared to reactive repair approaches.
Kitchen Ventilation Self-
Assessment Checklist
Visual & Sensory Indicators
Do you notice lingering smoke, grease odors, or visible vapor escaping from 
hood areas during peak cooking times?
Equipment Performance
Are exhaust fans noticeably louder than usual, vibrating excessively, or 
struggling to maintain consistent operation?
Maintenance Schedule
Are grease filters cleaned weekly and replaced according to manufacturer 
recommendations? Is ductwork professionally cleaned regularly?
Staff Comfort
Do kitchen staff frequently complain of headaches, eye irritation, excessive 
heat, or difficulty breathing during shifts?
Industry Standards & Further Reading
NFPA-96 Standard ASHRAE 154 OSHA Guidelines
Ventilation Control and Fire Ventilation for Commercial Cooking Indoor Air Quality StandardsWorkplace safety 
ProtectionComprehensive guidelines for OperationsTechnical standards for airflow rates, requirements for air quality, ventilation 
commercial kitchen exhaust systems, fire system design, and energy efficiency in adequacy, and employee health protection.
suppression, and safety protocols. commercial kitchens.
Educational Resource Credits
This presentation was created by Tennessee-based ventilation safety specialists for educational 
purposes only. 
No commercial promotion intended.
BriteView Hood Services - Committed to kitchen safety education
Contact Information
Need Expert Guidance?
For additional educational materials, system evaluations, or professional 
ventilation services, contact our Tennessee-based team of certified 
specialists.
This comprehensive guide is provided for educational purposes only to 
promote safer commercial kitchen operations.
BriteView Hood Services
📍 Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
📍 www.briteviewhoodservices.com
📍 [email protected]
Your trusted partner in commercial kitchen safety and ventilation 
excellence.