Glow sticks create light through chemiluminescence, a chemical reaction that generates light without producing heat. While the liquid inside these items has low systemic toxicity, ingestion or contact causes significant and immediate irritation. Exposure requires prompt action to minimize discomfort and ensure safety, as the reaction depends more on the chemicals’ irritant properties than on acute poisoning potential.
The Chemical Components Responsible for Luminescence
The glow stick’s light-producing reaction requires mixing three main components stored separately within the plastic casing. A small, sealed glass vial holds an activator, typically hydrogen peroxide. Outside the vial is a combination of a phenyl oxalate ester, a fluorescent dye, and a solvent.
Bending the stick breaks the inner vial, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to mix with the ester and dye. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the phenyl oxalate ester, releasing energy absorbed by the fluorescent dye. The dye then releases this energy as visible light, creating the signature glow. The most common ester used is di-butyl phthalate (DBP) or a similar oily, colorless liquid. This phthalate compound is the primary source of the burning sensation and irritation if the liquid is swallowed or contacts the skin.
Immediate Physical Reactions to Ingestion
Ingesting the contents of a broken glow stick leads to intense, immediate discomfort due to the irritant nature of the oily phthalate compound.
Oral Ingestion Effects
The most common reaction is an intense burning or stinging sensation affecting the lips, tongue, and throat. This chemical irritation and the liquid’s extremely bad taste often trigger gagging, retching, or vomiting. A temporary, harmless side effect is that the lips and tongue may briefly glow due to the fluorescent dye. While systemic poisoning is unlikely, the irritation can also cause mild nausea and an upset stomach.
Eye and Skin Contact
If the liquid contacts the eyes, the reaction is far more severe, causing immediate and painful stinging, burning, and excessive tearing. In rare instances, prolonged contact with the skin can lead to irritation, redness, or even the formation of small sores or blisters.
Urgent First Aid and Poison Control Guidance
The first step following glow stick liquid exposure is to immediately rinse the affected area to dilute and remove the chemical irritants.
Oral Exposure
For oral exposure, quickly wipe the mouth, tongue, and gums with a clean, wet cloth to remove the oily residue. Then, drink a small amount of water or milk (typically four ounces) to help dilute any remaining liquid in the stomach and mouth.
Eye and Skin Contact
If the liquid splashes into the eyes, flush the area continuously with room-temperature water for at least 15 minutes. For skin exposure, remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Contacting Poison Control
Regardless of the apparent severity of symptoms, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Experts provide personalized guidance based on the specific ingredients and the severity of the exposure.