Why does chopping an onion make us cry?

Answers (5)

• Makayla raphael

  09/19/2012

  Because of the onion produce acidic chemicals that is called propanethiol S-oxide, when slicing through its tissue, it would be released from the onion and comes in the air along with heat by gas to irritate our eyes by absorbing through our cornea. Hence, our eyes' lachrymal glands would be stimulated to release tears.

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• caffienefeen

  09/19/2012

  When onions are cut, it will release an enzyme called garlic acid enzyme. It is the cause of your tears. After the reaction of this enzyme and onions and amino acid in the onions, the amino acid will transform into a sulfonic acid. Sulfuric acid's molecules will become rearranged into thio propionaldehyde-S-oxide (SPSO) which will be released into the air. When these chemical substances come into contact with the eyes, it will stimulate the free nerve endings in the cornea, and cause the lacrimal gland outflow tears, and then you begin to cry.

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• David Safir

  09/20/2012

  It's a common situation to make you cry when you are chopping. The acidic chemicals in the onion are released when slicing through its tissue. Onions produce the chemical irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide. Then they rise in the air along with heat and irritate your eyes by being absorbed through the cornea. It stimulates the eyes' lachrymal glands so they release tears. To avoid them making you cry, you can use a fan to blow the molecules away from your eyes.

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• Christopher giles

  09/20/2012

  Lots of people have experienced this. When we chop the onions, this tissue is broken down. The inner acidic chemicals which are also called propanethiol S-oxide will come into the air. With the flow of the air, our corneal is stimulated by this acidic chemical and the tear gland becomes to excrete. Thus, we become to cry.

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• Brittany green

  09/21/2012

  Because there is a chemical substance in onion called as garlic enzyme glycosides that will stimulate the smell and visual organs. When it volatilizes out, people may feel his/her eyes uncomfortable and difficult to open. Slowly, eyes begin to tears from the face. Instead, it relieves the harms to one's eyes. Generally speaking, we can put the onion into the water for a while and then take it out to chop it. Or wear the glasses to finish this action and protect our eyes from crying. Through these ways, we can do it safely.

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