I was heating up some Tobasco sauce the other day, and everyone that was in the kitchen started coughing uncontrollably. I know what it probably has something to do with, but i was looking for more of a technical answer. Any chem majors in the house?
2007-07-10 04:09:50 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
capsaicin is the active "hot" ingredient in peppers and the source of the coughing. Microwaves work by exciting water (h2o) molecules causing heat and vaporization. The capsaicin is probably carried out of the food in this manor allowing you to inhale it and thus like breathing pepper spray. try sauteing hot peppers that will also cause you to cough and wheeze. Good luck.
2007-07-10 06:35:51 · answer #1 · answered by BillyBob 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heat and/or steam was coming off the hot sauce (or any food you cook) and was exiting the oven. Once airborne, people inhaled it. That steam contained molecules of hot pepper sauce, and irritated everyone's nasal cavities, mouths, and throats.
2007-07-10 11:14:45 · answer #2 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its from the vinegar. The fumes from it being heated probably caused irritation to everybody's airways.
2007-07-10 11:16:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You essentially created tear gas
2007-07-10 11:34:37 · answer #4 · answered by Christy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vinegar goes up your nose.
2007-07-10 11:14:17 · answer #5 · answered by chris w 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋