Which group of TIMs is known to cause inflammation of the nose and mouth?

Irritants are substances that can provoke an inflammatory response in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth upon exposure. This inflammation can manifest as symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discomfort, often leading to additional reactions like sneezing or a runny nose. Irritants can include various chemicals or environmental factors that, even in small amounts, can distress sensitive tissues.

Understanding the nature of irritants is important in field sanitation, as they can affect the health and comfort of personnel in any environment. In contrast, while allergens can also affect the respiratory system, they typically trigger an immune response rather than direct irritation. Oxidizers are primarily involved in combustion and chemical reactivity, and carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer over time, but they do not necessarily cause immediate inflammation of the nose and mouth. Thus, irritants are specifically recognized for their capacity to cause this kind of inflammatory reaction.