Irritant Gas Inhalation Injury By Abigail R Lara, MD, University of Colorado Reviewed / Revised May 2020 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Acute Exposure Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Prevention Chronic Exposure Key Points Irritant gases are those which, when inhaled, dissolve in the water of the respiratory tract mucosa and cause an inflammatory response, usually due to the release of acidic or alkaline radicals.