Irritano

Irritano is a term that may appear in Italian-language sources as part of the verb irritare (to irritate). As a stand-alone unit in English-language toxicity references, irritano is not a standard term; the corresponding adjective is irritante and the noun irritante or irritant in translations. In Italian, forms derived from irritare include irritano (they irritate) and the related adjective irritante, which describes substances or conditions capable of causing irritation.

In toxicology and safety contexts, an irritant is a substance or mixture that causes reversible inflammatory effects on living tissue. Effects may include redness, burning, itching, or swelling of the skin, and irritation of eyes or the respiratory tract. Irritants differ from corrosives, which produce tissue destruction, and from sensitizers, which can trigger immune-mediated reactions after repeated exposure. The severity depends on concentration, exposure duration, and the area of contact.

Common irritants include certain detergents and solvents, ammonia, chlorine-releasing compounds, and some acidic or alkaline solutions at improper concentrations. Regulatory labeling under systems such as the European CLP hazard classification uses categories for skin irritation and eye irritation, with precautionary statements and exposure limits to minimize risk.

Safety and handling emphasize minimizing contact, using protective gloves and eye protection, ensuring good ventilation, and following material safety data sheet guidance. For consumer products, formulations are designed to balance cleaning efficacy with acceptable irritation risks, and labels typically advise precautions to use as directed.

See also: irritant, irritation, corrosive, sensitizer, irritante.