1. What is the impact of an irritant chemical on the respiratory tract?

1.1 Irritation of the nasal passages

Two effects are possible.

• Irritation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity by acidic or basic chemicals (HCL, acrylates...) leads to inflammation (erythema), swelling (edema), hypersecretion of mucus (rhinorrhea), nasal obstruction, sneezing and headaches.

• Degeneration of the olfactory epithelium can also occur, as a result of damage to the olfactory epithelium. It is a partial or total abrasion of the cells of the olfactory epithelium, and degeneration of the olfactory nerve that leads to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The result is a...