Where can I find glow in the dark powder? Or something invisible I can put on a hand that will glow?

Question

I'm creating handwashing awareness at work. I have a UV light, but I need to find something to put on their hands so that they glow. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There is a chemical called phosphorus that produces a faint glow when in contact with oxygen, but I wouldn't recommend it as its pure form is highly combustible.

Theres also a naturally occuring chemical called luciferin. When digested by its enzyme, luciferase, it produces a glow.

Answer 2

There are many glow in the dark paints and such. and there a lot of unexpected things that are UV active (glow under UV light). But I don't know of anything that would work for your purposes. If you can't find anything, I do have another suggestion. You can make your own petri dishes by putting plain gelatin in baby food jars (I have actually made them before, and they work). You could make up two for each person participating (or for a few people to be part of the demonstration). Have each person touch the gelatin of one before they wash their hands, and then have them touch another one after they wash their hands. Put the jars (with lids on) in a warm place, and you will have a lovely surprise growing on the gelatin after a couple of days. You will be able to show people how much stuff is still on their hands even after they wash.

Answer 3

You might try a costume shop or a place that sells stage make-up. Or maybe a craft store, they make several types of glo-in-the-dark paints, that are fairly invisible.

Answer 4

Look on the web for companies selling fingerprint detection powder for forensics. Shomertec.com (?) sells fluorescent version and may have or know where to get it from their suppliers.

Answer 5

a magic shop or something.