For example, desiccants absorb water, drying out (desiccating) the surrounding materials. The air is particularly dry and desiccating when the Harmattan blows over the region. Calcium chloride can act as an irritant by desiccating moist skin. The secretion prevents conidia from desiccating and protects them from unfavorable environmental conditions. For example, in raisin production manufacturers shrivel grapes by drying (desiccating) them. At the time of high sun (summer), scorching, desiccating heat prevails. For potatoes, sulfuric acid is sometimes used as a non-herbicide chemical desiccating agent. Gypsum is the first salt (calcium sulphate) to be deposited from a desiccating basin. The man driving is rapidly desiccating, his face wrinkling, its skin crumbling. Relative humidity levels fell further, desiccating the forest. It can be reduced by desiccating or baking the chamber, and removing absorbent materials. Consistent with its strong desiccating power, PO is used in organic synthesis for dehydration. Indeed, many modern-day amniotes require moisture to keep their eggs from desiccating. The Napatan region itself was desiccating, leading to less cattle and agriculture. Initial treatment can involve placing the object in a desiccating environment.