Final answer:
Irritants are chemical hazards that cause temporary but sometimes severe inflammation of the eyes, skin, or respiratory system; an example is hydrogen peroxide. It's important to distinguish them from more harmful corrosives and carcinogens, which cause burns and cancers respectively. Thus, the correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical hazards that cause temporary but sometimes severe inflammation of the eyes, skin, or respiratory system are known as irritants. These substances can cause irritation upon immediate contact. An example of an irritant is hydrogen peroxide, which can cause irritation to your eyes and skin. In contrast, corrosive substances like hydrochloric acid can cause more severe damage, such as burns. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are another type of irritant that can cause headaches, nausea, and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, in addition to potentially long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
It's essential to distinguish irritants from corrosives, which cause immediate tissue damage, and from carcinogens, such as compounds containing cadmium, that are linked to cancer development. While irritants lead to acute inflammation, corrosives, and carcinogens are associated with more severe and long-term health threats.