Kim,

                 As the replies to this post indicate, yes, some still use water aspirators.  With traps, which vacuum pumps also need, they can work very well.  Some schools have no house vacuums and in today's economy do not have funds for the pumps needed for multiple set-ups.  You did not mention what solvents, etc., were being used, so we have no idea of the actual hazards involved.  What struck me immediately about your post was the tone.  Perhaps you were angry, but if you approached the "older than the hills" PI with the same attitude you expressed in your post, it is no wonder you met with resistance.  Such rudeness is unprofessional.  Hopefully, your boss doesn=E2=80™t read this list.



Kay