What kid doesn’t enjoy 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 provide to children They also serve to make sure that trick-or-treaters can be observed in darkness during Halloween. Before I started researching glow sticks I didn’t know how they functioned. I’ve never purchased these before, and I was asking the same questions you’re likely to have: What’s inside the glow stick? What is the process that makes a glowstick make its glow? Are they safe to use? What alternatives are there for glow stick alternatives? I’ll provide the answers to your questions.
What’s inside the glow stick?
There are numerous methods for making glow sticks but the most well-known one is made up of the following ingredients dibutylphthalate (part from the phthalate group of chemicals that is known to disrupt hormones) hydrogen peroxide phthalic ester, phenyl Oxalate ester along with a glass tube enclosed in the stick made of plastic.
What is it that makes a glow stick shine?
The light is due to the chemical reaction that occurs between the components inside the stick. The glow stick is activated by squeezing the glass bulb within it. Once the glass bulb’s contents are mixed with the stick, you trigger the chemical reaction which makes it shine. This chemical reaction is known as chemical luminescence.
Are glow sticks secure?
In terms of safety, when used correctly it is safe to your child’s safety with glow stick. If however, the substance of the glow stick get released, this is the place where the problem begins. Before you hand your child a glow stick make sure it’s not leaking or cracked.
In the event that the liquid gets in contact with skin, it could cause irritation. If it is consumed, it can cause irritation to the throat and mouth. If it enters eye sockets, it could cause burning and stinging. In addition glass shards within the stick that are a result of the broken glass bulb. When any of the above events occur, you should refer to this information on safety for glow sticks and contact your poison control centre in your area for instructions on how to proceed.
Furthermore, the glow sticks are constructed of plastic, which isn’t an environmentally friendly option, which means they’re not environmentally safe. They can only be used once which means that once they have been lit, they are put in the garbage and is destined to sit in the landfill for a lengthy period of time. The chemicals contained in the sticks aren’t suitable to flush into the toilet or flush in the drain as the 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 if they are given the chance. If you do decide to use them, be particularly cautious when you are around your pets. In the event that your dog has consumed any of the substances contained in a glow stick, you should contact your poison control centre in your area or veterinarian.
What are alternatives 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 conducted some research, and was unable to find any green glowing sticks (if you have any, please let me know via comments! ) Also, think about flashlights (kids are awestruck by flashlights) or glow-in-the-dark or brightly colored clothing or accessories or themed accessories (Halloween or Christmas Canada Day etc.) LED lights. Make it your own!
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