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What makes a glow stick glow?

What child doesn’t love glowing sticks? They’re an all-year-round source of interest, and when Halloween is near you can find them all over the place. Apart from the enjoyment they offer to kids they also serve to make sure that your trick-or-treaters will be observed in darkness during Halloween. Prior to reading about glow sticks I was unsure how they functioned. I’ve never purchased the products before, so I asked the same question that you do What’s inside of the glow sticks? What makes a glow stick make its glow? Are they safe to use? What are alternatives for glow stick alternatives? I’ll answer your questions.

What’s in the glow stick?

There are a variety of methods for making glow sticks but the most well-known one includes the following dibutylphthalate (part from the phthalate group, which is known to disrupt hormones) hydrogen peroxide phthalic ester, phenyl Oxalate ester as well as a tube of glass enclosed in the stick made of plastic.

What makes a glow-stick sparkle?

The glowing effect is caused by the chemical reaction between substances inside the stick. The glow stick is activated by squeezing the glass bulb within it. Once the glass bulb’s contents combine with the contents of the stick, you trigger the chemical reaction which makes it shine. The chemical reaction that causes this glow is called the chemiluminescence.

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Are glow sticks secure?

In terms of safety, when used correctly it is safe to your child’s safety by using glow sticks. But, if the content of the stick are released, that’s the point where trouble begins. Before you hand your child a glowstick, ensure that it’s not damaged or leaks.

When the fluid comes in contact with skin, it could cause irritation. Ingestion of the liquid can cause irritation to the throat and mouth. If it is in eye sockets, it could hurt and burn. In addition glass shards within the stick due to the break of the glass bulb. When any of the above events occur, consult this safety information for glow sticks and contact your poison control centre in your area for advice on how to proceed.

Furthermore, the glow sticks are constructed of plastic, which isn’t an eco-friendly option which means they’re not eco-friendly. They are only used once and once it’s been lit, they are put in the garbage and is destined to sit in a landfill for quite a long period of time. The chemicals contained in the sticks aren’t suitable to flush into the toilet or flush through the drain since those chemicals can then be part of the water system.

Glow sticks aren’t only hazardous for children if they break, but they also pose a risk to pets that could bite them when allowed to. Therefore, if you are using them, be particularly cautious when you are around your pets. In the event that your dog has consumed any of the ingredients of the glow stick, call your poison control centre in your area or veterinarian.

What alternatives are there for glow sticks?

If you are of the opinion that glow sticks aren’t appropriate for your family or you there are alternative options you could consider. I did some digging and was unable to locate any environmentally friendly glowing sticks (if you have any, please let me know via comments! ) Consider flashlights (kids are awestruck by flashlights) or glow in the dark , brightly colored accessories or clothing or themed accessories (Halloween or Christmas Canada Day etc.) LED lights. Make it your own!