The liquid inside a glow stick can cause concern if the plastic casing is compromised. While the liquid has a low order of toxicity, it should not be mistaken as harmless because it acts as a strong irritant to tissues. The primary danger following exposure is not systemic poisoning, but rather the immediate and painful local irritation it causes on contact with the eyes, skin, or mouth. Understanding the nature of the compounds is important for addressing the potential risks.
The Chemical Components Inside
The glow stick functions due to a precisely controlled reaction involving two main chemical components that are kept separate until the stick is bent. Inside the outer plastic tube, a small, fragile glass vial contains one of the reactants, usually hydrogen peroxide, which serves as the activator. Surrounding this inner vial is an oily solution containing an oxalate ester, such as diphenyl oxalate, and a fluorescent dye that determines the color of the emitted light.
When the glow stick is intentionally snapped, the glass vial breaks, allowing the peroxide solution to mix with the ester and dye. This chemical combination triggers an exergonic reaction, a process known as chemiluminescence. The solvents used in the mixture, often phthalates like dibutyl phthalate, help dissolve the compounds and facilitate the reaction.
Glow sticks do not contain highly dangerous substances like heavy metals or radioactive materials. The chemicals are organic compounds that, in the small quantities present, are classified as irritants rather than true systemic poisons. The design is a simple, contained system that relies on the physical mixing of these two separated liquids to produce the temporary glow.
Assessing the Toxicity and Primary Risks
The liquid’s potential for harm is primarily due to its strong irritating properties. When the liquid makes contact with sensitive tissues, the immediate response is a mild burning or stinging sensation. This local irritation is almost guaranteed upon exposure, even though the overall risk of severe, long-term tissue damage is low.
If the liquid contacts the eyes, the individual will experience stinging, pain, and tearing, requiring immediate attention to prevent prolonged discomfort. Dermal exposure can lead to transient skin irritation and redness, but systemic absorption through the skin is generally not a concern. Ingestion, the most common route of exposure, causes a particularly unpleasant taste that often leads to gagging and sometimes vomiting.
Although systemic poisoning is rare, the most significant risk comes from the potential for aspiration if a large amount is ingested, leading to heavy vomiting. Aspiration, where the liquid enters the lungs, can result in chemical pneumonitis, a serious condition requiring medical evaluation. Surveillance data from poison centers consistently shows that the vast majority of glow stick exposures result in only mild and temporary effects.
Immediate Steps Following Exposure
If a glow stick breaks and the liquid spills, prompt action should be taken based on the route of exposure to minimize irritation. For contact with the skin, the area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water to remove the oily residue.
If the liquid splashes into the eyes, continuous rinsing is necessary to flush out the irritants. The affected eye should be rinsed immediately and continuously with a gentle stream of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. If the irritation persists after the full rinsing time, further medical advice is necessary.
In the event of ingestion, the mouth should be rinsed out, and the individual should be encouraged to drink small amounts of water or milk to help dilute the liquid. If symptoms like persistent vomiting or coughing occur, or if the individual is a young child, contact a medical professional or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) for guidance.