The Irritant Potential of Pollutants in the Atmosphere

Abstract

Irritants are discussed in relation to air pollution. The meaning of the term has been altered over the last 10 years. The concept of the nature of irritants is described, as well as the concentration, size, and distribution of irritant substances in polluted atmospheres. Some irritants can evoke an inflammatory response at low concentrations over long periods of exposure. Similarly, a very high concentration of the substances could produce the same response after short exposure. The most widely accepted indicators of acute irritant action in humans are airway resistance and lung compliance. Present sampling methodology is evaluated.