2007-12-15 16:57:37 · 9 answers · asked by Y.S.C B 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Volatile compounds are released into the air and get into your eyes. You can reduce the irritation by wearing glasses. Goggles can give you better protection. Another way is to cut onions under water.
2007-12-15 18:28:01 · answer #1 · answered by OKIM IM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have cooked proffessionaly for 19 years and have never found anything that realy works. I do know that as a glasses wearer, I am good longer than other folks until the fumes get behind my glasses and them I am screwed!LOL I also have found that really big onions don't seem as strong as the smaller ones so the food service ones sometimes didn't bother me as much as the little ones at home. Don't stand with your head directly over the onion when you cut it, that seems to help a bit. Do not rub your eyes if you can help it as that can make it worse. I worked in an onion ring factory for a week once and the first half hour was pure hell but believe it or not, after that it was as though my eyes got used to it and the rest of the day was fine. I just have learned to cut fast.
2016-05-24 04:05:47 · answer #2 · answered by cherly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the answer on the main page is wrong. It has nothing to do with chemicals or anything getting in your eyes. It actually has to do with your nose. The chemicals from the juices of the onion are released when you cut into it and then when you breathe in your nose senses the chemicals and then your body reacts by your eyes watering. Its the same thing that happens with teargas. The next time you cut an onion, try plugging your nose with something like a tissue and you won't cry.
2007-12-15 17:47:21 · answer #3 · answered by Alex w 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
"As onions are sliced, cells are broken, allowing enzymes called alliinases to break down sulfides and generate sulfenic acids (amino acid sulfoxides). Sulphenic acids are unstable and decompose into a volatile gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. The gas diffuses through the air and eventually reaches the eye, where it reacts with the water to form a diluted solution of sulfuric acid. This acid irritates the nerve endings in the eye, making them sting. Tear glands produce tears to dilute and flush out the irritant."
That's basically it.
Check wikipedia for more.
2007-12-15 17:01:42 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
When you cut onions a chemical called propanethiol S-oxide is released into the ... the water in your eyes to form sulfuric acid,
2007-12-15 17:02:12 · answer #5 · answered by Jackie 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
try not cutting up stock end of the onion.. which is the bottom end...
it hold most of the chemical that causes your eyes to burn..
cut if off and toss it...
you mite still get some effect.. just not as bad
2007-12-15 17:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by pokerfaces55 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
when you cut them, it emits an acidic chemical in the air which causes the crying
2007-12-15 17:00:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You just seen this on the yahoo main page because theres an article on it!!
2007-12-15 17:00:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
this is on yahoo news why are you asking the SAME thing?
2007-12-15 17:05:27 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋