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Definition

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• A sternutator is a substance that causes irritation of the nasal and respiratory passages and causes coughing, sneezing, lachrymation (tearing of the eyes), and possibly vomiting. In general usage, a sternutator is a substance that causes sneezing.
• Sternutatory is generally the adjective form of sternutator, although sometimes it is also used as a noun to describe a sternutatory substance.
• Sternutation is the act of sneezing. Sneezing is defined as a sudden and involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth.

Additional Info

Examples of sternutators include black and red pepper as well as the principle chemical susbstance in hot peppers that causes irritation and sneezing, (E)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-10-methylundec-8-en-3-one, known more commonly as capsaicin.

Another example is maleic anhydride, a chemical intermediate that is also used in certain polymer formulations.

Lachrymators and sternutators are common employed by law enforcement agencies as riot control against civilian populations; curiously, the Geneva Protocols actually prohibit "asphyxiating gas, or any other kind of gas, liquids, substances or similar materials" in warfare. This strange dichotomy has recently led to calls to ban such "tear gas" agents as they can exacerbate the effects of Covid-19.

SDS Relevance

If a material is a sternutator, this should appear in Section 11 (toxicological information) of the Safety Data Sheet. Some substances may cause irritation and sneezing when inhaled. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as dust masks and respirators when working with sternutators, especially if engineering controls such as a fume hood are not available.

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Further Reading

• Sneezing at the NIH's MedLinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
• Sneezing at VeryWellHealth.com.
• The nature of capsaicin at Fiery-Foods.com.
• Facts About Riot Control Agents Interim document at the US CDC.
• Tear Gas and Pepper Spray Toxicity at the NCBI.

See also: irritant, lachrymator.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

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