Podlipodcast player Webplayer

Squiz Kids

Squiz Kids

Why does cutting an onion make you cry? Science Short

Squiz Kids · Aug 14, 2026 · 4:08

0:004:08

Listen in the Podli app 🎧

Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.

Felix, from Hunters Hill, wants to know why slicing into an onion can leave our eyes stinging and tears streaming down our faces.

In this week’s Squiz Kids Science Short, Christie breaks into the onion’s tiny chemical security system, discovers how cutting it releases an irritating mist into the air, and reveals why a blunt knife may make things even worse.

Plus, do any of those strange onion-chopping tricks actually stop the tears?

Episodes: Squiz Kids

PodliGet the free Podli app
↓ App