The only thing I can imgaine relating to "acrid" in context to smoke or breathing would be some type of large fire. A forest fire produces the thick black smoke which would harm one in such a manner.
Then we have acrid mushrooms that are peppery.
Chances are it's a very diverse word.
I am not familiar with his other example.
I am not familiar with his other example. I'm not either, Tumble. I guess when you hate something so much, you can come up with just about anything.