Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Emilio Romero on 25/02/2009 15:21:56

Title: why does it sting so badly when smoke gets in our eyes?
Post by: Emilio Romero on 25/02/2009 15:21:56

Hi, can anyone tell me why does it sting so badly when smoke gets in our eyes?
Thanks
emilio

Title: why does it sting so badly when smoke gets in our eyes?
Post by: Ethos on 26/02/2009 01:06:08

Have you ever got tobacco into a cut or abrasion? The nicotine in the tobacco plant is very irritating to the skin and also to the eye. Tobacco smoke carrys a substantial quanity of nicotine with it and consequently, will also irritate the eye.

Title: why does it sting so badly when smoke gets in our eyes?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 26/02/2009 07:56:00

Is it the same as crying when chopping onions?

Title: why does it sting so badly when smoke gets in our eyes?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 26/02/2009 08:15:59

I think it could be acrolein and/or formaldehyde which irritates the eyes, and/or some sulfur compound (if it is the same as the 'crying while chopping onions' effect).

Title: why does it sting so badly when smoke gets in our eyes?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 26/02/2009 16:03:59

I reckon it's because smoke molecules are so small and there's so many of them, that every pain receptor that can be hit by a smoke particle does get hit.

That's just guessing though, I don't really know.