Against the popular notion that the strong odour of the onion makes us shed tears but in reality, it is the gas released by an onion. An onion contains oils that have sulphur, which irritates not only our eyes but also our nose. When we cut an onion the gas from it known as propanethiol S-oxide combines with enzymes in the onion to give out sulphur compound. This compound rapidly enters the air. It comes in contact with our eyes; they automatically blink. Due to the irritation of lachrymal glands, tears are produced. These tears produced are a way by which our body wants to get rid of this chemical before it harms our eyes. When we rub our eyes with our hands, while cutting onions, it further exacerbates the irritation. This is because our hands are covered with sulphuric acid and the caustic producing oil in the onion.
Why does the Cutting of Onions Make You Shed Tears?
