# 💨 Air quality

The extraction system for the laser is adequate, but not brilliant. Some members at the Hackspace are sensitive to the smoke and fumes created by cutting some materials, so the following rules are in place:

##### Before cutting

[![AirQuality.jpeg](https://wiki.leicesterhackspace.org.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-07/scaled-1680-/airquality-jpeg.jpeg)](https://wiki.leicesterhackspace.org.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-07/scaled-1680-/airquality-jpeg.jpeg)

Check the air quality monitor behind the laser. If it is green, carry on. If it is yellow, be prepared to stop cutting if anyone in the room is affected by the smoke or fumes. If red, do not start cutting until the air quality has improved (ideally back to green).

##### During cutting

Continue to monitor the air quality and keep to the guidance above. You may need to pause the laser mid-job until the air quality improves. Please note that the monitor only measures particulates, so some fumes may affect others in the room without the monitor changing colour. This applies mainly when cutting acrylic or other plastics.

##### After cutting

Do not open the lid of the laser until you can see all the smoke has been extracted from the cutting area. After cutting acrylic, leave the lid down longer to ensure the fumes have also dissipated. Review the air quality monitor before your next cut.