Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site hou5h.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!vax135!ariel!hou5f!hou5g!hou5h!mgh
From: mgh@hou5h.UUCP (Marcus Hand)
Newsgroups: net.cooks
Subject: Re: RE: garlic and onion
Message-ID: <425@hou5h.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 11-Apr-85 10:45:57 EST
Article-I.D.: hou5h.425
Posted: Thu Apr 11 10:45:57 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Apr-85 03:11:41 EST
References: <2454@drutx.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Holmdel, NJ
Lines: 18

It isn't the H2SO4 which causes problems but the C=S linkage in some
complex organic molecules.   The linkage name escapes me at the moment.
This bond reacts with and inflames sensitive membranes in the eyes and nose
and causes tearing and a runny nose.   This functional group is the basis of
many tear gases and is not entirely divorced from some nerve gas technology.

Two other points come to mind:

	People who wear contact lenses have a far higher resistance to
	tear production caused by onions.  (I was frequently asked to
	do onion chopping for the other members of my household when I
	shared a big house.)

	Onions with a low potential to cause tears have been bred by
	plant research labs:  unfortunately the results were unsuccessful
	because the onions also lost their taste.
-- 
			Marcus Hand	(hou5h!mgh)