chemical irritant
1
4.8
- noun
- /ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈɪrɪtənt/
- Specialized
:
irritante químico
- Chemically induced asthma occurs in response to triggers such as chemical irritants present in the smoke produced by the open burning of biomass (19-24).
Examples
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He was carrying a baton-type striking weapon, a can of chemical irritant spray, and a pair of sand-filled gloves, according to officers.
Blog text (7) -
As the exilent causative agents of the expected medical effects remain unknown, this study further hypothesized that the smoke produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter (grass) contained chemical irritants.
Academic text (1998) -
It would appear that the fine particulates produced by combustion and the chemical irritants in the smoke have combined to negatively affect the health of individuals suffering from RAD.
Academic text (1998) -
Some people are sensitive to chemical irritants found in cleaning products, which can cause skin rashes.
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The factory was fined for releasing chemical irritants into the air, affecting the health of nearby residents.
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To prevent allergic reactions, it is important to identify and avoid chemical irritants in cosmetics.
Synonyms
15
6.0
Something that causes discomfort or annoyance, like dust and some cleaners
How Harmful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is directly compositional: 'chemical' modifies 'irritant' to indicate an irritant of chemical origin, so a learner who knows both words can infer a substance that causes irritation. This modifier+noun pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows standard English noun phrase composition, making the meaning immediately accessible to B1 learners.
Etymology
Chemical irritant simply names a chemical that is an irritant, so imagine a splash of cleaning liquid making your eyes sting or your skin go red. That is why it means a chemical that 'irritates' the body.