What is a common symptom of exposure to an irritant?

A burning sensation to the eyes is a characteristic symptom of exposure to irritants. Irritants, such as chemicals or environmental pollutants, can provoke immediate pain or discomfort upon contact with mucous membranes, including those in the eyes. This symptom is often an initial indicator that the eyes have been affected by a harmful substance, prompting a need for decontamination and further medical evaluation.

While options like severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty breathing may occur in response to different types of exposures or conditions, they are not specifically associated with irritants in the same direct manner as the burning sensation in the eyes. Severe headaches are often linked to other factors such as prolonged exposure to stress or certain toxins, nausea and vomiting might be more indicative of systemic reactions or gastrointestinal disturbances, and difficulty breathing is generally associated with more severe respiratory irritants or allergens. Thus, the burning sensation stands out as a primary, immediate response to exposure to irritants.