Are Glow Sticks Dangerous?

Identification

• Glow sticks must meet national Occupational Safety and Health Administration's, OSHA, guidelines. Two approved non-toxic chemicals are used in creating glow sticks.

Function

• The main chemical in glow sticks is dibutyl pthalate, which is used as a solvent for many perfumes, and other common household items. However, a few types of glow sticks are made with hydrogen peroxide, dissolved in pthalic ester. The second chemical used in the glow stick is phenyl oxalate ester, which is also non-toxic.

Identification

• Many manufacturers provide a safety guarantee with the glow stick product. However, some glow sticks are homemade, without a guarantee at the time of purchase. If you are unsure about the guarantee when purchasing glow sticks, contact the manufacturer. Contact information is obtainable either on the product itself, or by asking the business selling the product.

Warning

• Keep in mind, the outer part of a glow stick is plastic, but inside the glow stick are tiny glass particles and a fluorescent dye. If the glow stick is broken, the liquid and tiny glass particles can be harmful if ingested. The tiny glass particles could also cut the skin.

Solution

• If someone ingests glow stick liquid, the National Capital Poison Control Center advises the victim to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water, drink milk and call poison control for safety measures. If your child has experienced an allergic reaction to any of the chemicals and products used in a glow stick, don't allow your child to play with glow sticks.

Fun Fact

• The United States Department of Defense uses 15 million glow sticks per year for soldiers in the field.