Which of the following best describes an irritant?

An irritant is defined as a substance that can cause immediate damage upon contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. This definition aligns with the understanding that irritants provoke a rapid local reaction, such as redness, swelling, and pain, in the affected area. They do not necessarily have to cause long-term health effects, which differentiates them from other substances that may have chronic or prolonged effects on health.

The scope of irritants typically revolves around their capacity to induce immediate symptoms rather than environmental effects or long-lasting health conditions. While irritants can be harmful in the context of exposure, their primary identification is through the prompt response they elicit upon contact. In contrast, other options describe various types of substances or effects that are not limited to the immediate local reaction characteristic of irritants.