Summary: The risks associated with the use of laboratory chemicals must be well understood prior to their use in an experiment. As many chemicals have multiple hazards, ensure to review the safety guidance for all hazard classes that may apply.

Definition:
Irritants are chemicals that cause reversible inflammatory effects on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds are irritants; thus, skin contact with all laboratory chemicals should be avoided.