I know there is glass inside there, but is the chemical deadly? What are the risks. This is a serious question, and no I DONT plan on drinking one.
2007-06-05 16:24:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
There are actually two main chemicals inside of the glowstick that react together and produce the illumination. The process is very similar to that of the bioluminesence created by fireflys and other organisms.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the chemicals and a phenyl oxalate ester is the other.
The hydrogen peroxide can be hazardous if digested, possibly irritating the mouth and throat. In small amounts it will not hurt you, but I would never suggest swallowing it. All sources that I could find on the ester suggest that it is relatively safe. Again, use caution. It is never wise to use a chemical product for anything other than its original and packaged use. We, as humans/chemists, know many things about the chemicals around us, but we do not know all. Who can say that in 10 years from now what we may find out about the ester? It may be carcinogenic...who knows.
A problem arises when these two chemicals are reacting, a chemical called phenol is formed and is classified as hazardous. It would be unwise to ingest it or put it on your skin, but I do know personally of people doing this and they are fine.
I found some sources on these chemicals and the general reaction that takes place. Just be safe, there really is no reason to break a glow stick open and smear it all over you, it may look cool, but any possible health hazards just arent worth it.
The are labeled "non-toxic" which means that accidental exposure is usually nothing to worry about...repeated misuse and abuse is may be an entirely and unknown story.
Chemical information:
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/p1952.htm
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/h4070.htm
Reaction/general information:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/light-stick1.htm
I know you said that you dont plan on drinking one, I posted information about doing that just incase anyone else comes alongs and reads this question.
2007-06-05 18:24:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many different companies that manufacture glow sticks. Most are in Asia. I've often wondered about these toys we give our kids. Think about the people you buy these things from. They won't be there in 10 minutes. No location to go back to. They buy the cheapest thing they think they can sell. At the very least I would suspect that they are radioactive. This is a great question. I'm going to check back to see if anyone knows about each company's "ingredients".
2007-06-05 23:39:36 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The ones I've seen Say "non-toxic", but that's a pretty ambigous term; it might just mean it won't kill you instantly. I can tell you that once when my brother was really drunk, he cut open a glow stick and smeared the stuff all over himself and was running around naked and glowing! (By the way he's still alive).
2007-06-05 23:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by Flying Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It says on the package Non-Toxic and I know people who got that crap on there skin and in there eyes, but never saw any one drink it. I seen many poured on drunk people and guy's that have passed out. Probably ask some raver about it.
2007-06-05 23:44:20 · answer #4 · answered by fred l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont drink it for sure. yeah it could probably kill you if you drank alot.
2007-06-05 23:31:53 · answer #5 · answered by Seriously 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but I do think it's poisonous.
2007-06-05 23:58:14 · answer #6 · answered by labudd13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋