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Many chemicals irritate the lungs, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen chloride and sulphur dioxide gases. The respiratory system responds to these irritants by tightening the bronchi, which results in a feeling of tight-chestedness. This is sometimes referred to as 'dyspnoea' in safety data sheets. If the irritation is very severe, cells can be damaged and fluid released (oedema). Such damage can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection.

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