How do onions make your eyes water?

Answer 1

It is due to breathing through your nose and the associated odor of the onion. By breathing through your mouth (or gnaw on a toothpick?) you should be able to control the weepy eyes and nose. According to the food channel, it's because when you cut the onion, you pierce the cells which releases a chemical which irritates the pink tissue of the eyes & nose. Which are proximate to the source when looking down to slice & dice. Wanna real treat? Cut up some horseradish, it's guaranteed to run you out of the kitchen right fast!

Answer 2

its the chemicals it releases when its first cut..l. to stop your eyes watering when you cut them cut them under water (fill the sink half full and submerge the onion as you slice) As you do this you will see bubbles rise in the water... this is the stuff escaping from the onion that would normally make your eyes water :)

Answer 3

The reason you "cry" when chopping onions is because onions contain a lot of Sulfur. when you cut into the onion it releases Sulfate gas, which when it reaches the moist membranes of your eyes combines with water (H2O) and creates Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is why it stings. Your body then secretes tears to try and dilute the acid which leads to the "crying".

Answer 4

Try running the sink faucet next to where you're cutting the onion, and make sure the onion is closer to the running water than it is to your eyes. The sting in onions always travels to the nearest water source (usually your eyes) as soon as you cut it open, so if you have a different water source closer to the onion, your eyes are likely not to sting.

Answer 5

Onions contain a compound similar to sulfuric acid, this will actually irritate mucous membranes. Your eyes tear up to dilute the compound and wash it out of your eyes.

Answer 6

keep your mouth closed