Abstract: An apparatus for removing polluting matter arising in flame cutting and like operations. In this apparatus a suction hood is associated with each cutter unit of a cutting assembly and connected to a suction device, an upwardly facing suction box disposed beneath the cutting table extends transversely of the width of the cutting table and is movable along it. The suction box is connected to the suction device and displaceable together with the cutting assembly with the aid of a device operable by sensing means sensing the position of the cutting assembly so that the suction box will be located beneath the working area of the cutting assembly. The movable suction box is provided with means for reducing the speed of jets directed from the flame cutters toward the interior of the suction box and laden with gases, fumes, dust, minute particles and like polluting matter.