How does a toxic material differ from an irritant?

A toxic material is fundamentally different from an irritant in terms of the severity and type of health effects they can produce. Toxic materials have the potential to cause significant and serious health issues, particularly at lower concentrations or with shorter exposure times. This can include long-term health consequences or even life-threatening conditions, depending on the material and the level of exposure.

In contrast, irritants generally cause immediate reactions such as pain, discomfort, or inflammation, primarily at the site of contact (like skin or mucous membranes) but usually do not result in severe systemic effects or long-term health impacts. While both types of substances can pose health risks, the degree of risk and the nature of the effects largely distinguish toxic materials from irritants.

The other options do not accurately convey the critical differences between these categories of substances. Concentration alone does not determine their categorization, substances can exist in various states, and both can affect multiple parts of the body, although the severity and nature of those effects may vary significantly.