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Irritants are defined as chemicals that can cause inflammation or irritation of living tissue, particularly when they come into contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. This inflammation can result in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discomfort, which may vary in severity depending on the concentration of the chemical and the duration of exposure.

Understanding irritants is crucial for safety professionals, as they need to assess and mitigate the risks associated with exposure to such substances in various environments. For example, common irritants include certain acids, bases, or household cleaning products that can lead to chemical burns or respiratory problems if not handled properly.

The other options presented do not accurately describe irritants. Chemicals causing chaos in the environment would refer to pollutants or hazardous materials, while neutralizing toxins implies a detoxifying action rather than causing irritation. Similarly, enhancing biological processes relates more to substances like enzymes or nutrients and does not apply to the definition of irritants. Therefore, the focus on inflammation of living tissue in the correct answer ties directly to the characteristics and effects associated with irritants.