Use a Pair of Cheap Safety Goggles Instead of Bulbous Goggles.
Onions are used in almost all kitchens, so it is almost impossible to refuse them in the kitchen. I would never give up onions, but as we all know, chopping them right off can cause tingling, tears in the eyes and – if you’ve applied mascara “just to feel pretty” – dark streaks and blemishes all over. body. your face.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can mitigate the effects of syn-propaneethial S-oxide, a volatile, pain-inducing chemical released by vengeful onions when you damage their cell walls. You can work near a fan or under an exhaust hood (to physically remove the gas from you), put them in the freezer for half an hour (to reduce the volatility of the gas), or rinse or soak them under water. (to flush the composition down the drain).
All of these methods work – although the last one can make the onions slippery and too soft – but sometimes my stove is used, or I forget to put them in the freezer and can’t wait an extra 30 minutes. Then I take an old pair of goggles that physically block syn-propaneethial-S-oxide.
If you’ve ever visited any chemical laboratory, you’ve probably seen this. They are plastic and square, with small holes on the side that can be opened or closed as needed. They cost less than $ 4 at Home Depot (or any local hardware store) and wear over glasses. Specialized Onion Goggles also block syn-propane-S-Oxide, but they are more expensive ($ 12–20), don’t fit your existing goggles, and just don’t look so cool. (I really like the look of the massive glasses, I don’t know why!)
Simply slide them over your head, tighten the elastic straps to fit snugly, and chop them without having to resort to fans, freeze or rinse. The tighter the fit, the safer your eyes will be, but even an imperfect fit is better than nothing. The straps of my old lab glasses had lost much of their elasticity and tended to slip, but I could still get through three whole onions without tears.