What is the primary function of exhaust fans in a work area?

The primary function of exhaust fans in a work area is to draw fumes away from the work area. This is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment, particularly in settings where chemicals or harmful substances are present. Exhaust fans help to ventilate the space, reducing the concentration of airborne contaminants and ensuring that workers are not exposed to harmful levels of fumes, vapors, or smoke. By effectively removing these contaminants from the air, exhaust fans contribute significantly to air quality control and can prevent respiratory issues or other health hazards related to inhalation of toxic substances.

When assessing the other options, increasing the temperature is not a function associated with exhaust fans, as their role is to expel air rather than heat it. Providing cooling air is typically associated with air conditioning or cooling systems, not exhaust fans, which primarily focus on removing air and its contents. Circulating dust particles is counterproductive to the purpose of exhaust fans, as their aim is to clear out harmful particles, not to circulate them within the work environment.