Alternate Names: Allergy-causing; Irritant
Information:
Definition:
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens are substances that, in some people, the immune system recognizes as "foreign" or "dangerous" but cause no response for most people.
Common allergens include certain contactants (such as chemicals, plants), drugs (such as antibiotics, serums), foods (such as milk, chocolate, strawberries, wheat), infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses, animal parasites), inhalants (such as dust, pollen, perfumes, smoke), and physical agents (such as heat, light, friction, radiation).
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