Which substances are irritants that cause inflammation or aggravation of tissue upon contact?

Which substances are irritants that cause inflammation or aggravation of tissue upon contact?

• A. Causes inflammation or aggravation of tissue
• B. Inhibits immune response
• C. Interferes with oxygenation
• D. Trigers allergic reactions only after long exposure

Answer: (A)

Irritants are substances that cause direct inflammation or tissue irritation when they contact the skin or mucous membranes. They provoke a local inflammatory response by damaging cells and triggering inflammatory mediators, often on first exposure. That’s why the statement that irritants cause inflammation or aggravation of tissue is the best fit—the other options describe different mechanisms (immunosuppression, impaired oxygenation, or immune-mediated allergies after sensitization) that are not characteristic of irritants acting on contact.

Irritants are substances that cause direct inflammation or tissue irritation when they contact the skin or mucous membranes. They provoke a local inflammatory response by damaging cells and triggering inflammatory mediators, often on first exposure. That’s why the statement that irritants cause inflammation or aggravation of tissue is the best fit—the other options describe different mechanisms (immunosuppression, impaired oxygenation, or immune-mediated allergies after sensitization) that are not characteristic of irritants acting on contact.