A substance which, by contact in sufficient concentration for a sufficient period of time, will cause an inflammatory response or reaction of the eye, skin, or respiratory system. The contact may be a single exposure or multiple exposures. Some primary irritant: chronic acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, calcium chloride, amines, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols. Importance: Knowing that a substance is an irritant allows you to be aware of the signs and symptoms of overexposure.
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