what is it about that makes us cry? even after getting away from one, my eyes still sting. what causes it?
2007-12-21 20:55:52 · 11 answers · asked by pullthetrigger 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
mark.noyce - how can i stop it getting into my eyes? how can i cover my eyes whilst chopping the onion?
2007-12-21 21:01:50 · update #1
lil farm girl - LOL!
2007-12-21 21:10:05 · update #2
As onions are sliced, cells are broken, allowing enzymes called alliinases to break down amino acid sulfoxides and generate sulfenic acids. Sulfenic acids are unstable and spontaneously rearrange 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.[6]
Supplying ample water to the reaction prevents the gas from reaching the eyes. Eye irritation can, therefore, be avoided by cutting onions under running water or submerged in a basin of water. Rinsing the onion and leaving it wet while chopping may also be effective. Another way to avoid irritation is by not cutting off the root of the onion, or by doing it last, as the root of the onion has a higher concentration of enzymes.[7] Chilling or freezing onions prevents the enzymes from activating, limiting the amount of gas generated. Using a sharp blade to chop onions will limit the cell damage and the release of enzymes that drive the irritation response. Having a fire, such as a candle or a burner, will help as the heat and flames will draw in the onion gas, burn it, and then send it up with the rest of the flame exhaust[citation needed]. In the heat, the chemical changes such that it no longer irritates the eyes[citation needed].
The volume of sulphenic acids released, and the irritation effect, differs among Allium species.
A firm in Toronto, Canada, attempted to utilize this property of onions in the manufacture of a form of tear gas for civilian use. It was marketed in 1991 but was unsuccessful as it had an effective shelf life of only three months
2007-12-21 21:00:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I heard that putting a spoon in your mouth while chopping an onion stops your eyes from watering. Really, you are supposed to be concentrating on the spoon being there so you don't cry.
2007-12-22 02:43:59 · answer #2 · answered by dreamer 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because when you cut the onions a gas is released similar to tear gas.
I've peeled onions under running water with no problems.
Rinse your hands off after doing onions, the gas gets into your hands and fingers and when you wipe your eyes you put more in.
2007-12-21 21:06:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
its full of a chemical that sets your tear ducts into over-drive, thats why covering your eyes stops it. just keep the chemical out of your eye.
2007-12-21 20:59:35 · answer #4 · answered by mark.noyce 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The fumes have a chemical in,
And it makes your Eyeball DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE!!!
I hate onions, unless there in a stir fry,.. Mmm Yummy
2007-12-22 01:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by peek a boo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes they tell really sad stories about their parents dying.
2007-12-21 21:03:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Those onions are just so darn mean.
xx
2007-12-21 20:59:11 · answer #7 · answered by Happihawkeye 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dont let them upset you hun , its xmas woo hoo x
2007-12-21 21:02:33 · answer #8 · answered by Naughty Farmgirl ;o) 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
cos they keep telling us a sad story..lol
2007-12-21 21:23:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i think mage is right
2007-12-22 04:42:48 · answer #10 · answered by xyz a 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋