What does an exhaust system primarily capture at a workstation?

An exhaust system is primarily designed to capture and remove harmful byproducts generated during processes at a workstation, such as fumes, mist, vapors, and gases. These emissions can pose significant health risks to personnel if not adequately controlled. Capturing these substances helps maintain air quality and ensures a safer working environment. The effectiveness of an exhaust system is crucial in industries and labs where chemical reactions, heated processes, or other activities can release dangerous airborne contaminants.

While cooling air for equipment and excess heat are relevant considerations for maintaining operational efficiency and equipment longevity, they are not the primary functions of an exhaust system. Solid particles can also be captured in certain contexts, yet they represent just one component among the broader category of harmful emissions that includes fumes, mist, vapors, and gases. The correct answer encompasses all potential hazardous byproducts that an exhaust system aims to manage, making it fundamental to worker safety and health standards.