How does a lightstick work and what are the chemicals inside the stick?
All of the chemical glow products (glowsticks® , bracelets, necklaces, lightsticks, etc.) contain a small thin-walled glass ampoule on the inside. The ampoule contains a solution of hydrogen peroxide (a form of it is used as a topical anti-infective) dissolved in phthalic ester. The chemical that surrounds the glass ampoule is a phenyl oxalate ester along with the appropriate dye. When you activate the product by bending it - you hear a little snap. The snap that you hear is actually the glass ampoule breaking. The chemicals inside the ampoule are then released and mixed with the chemicals that once surrounded the ampoule. Immediately, a chemical reaction occurs and the molecules are energized. The molecules release their energy as visible light. The process in which energy from a chemical reaction is released directly as light is called chemiluminescence. The chemicals are non-toxic and non-flammable, however, they may permanently stain clothing, furniture, carpet etc. Contact with the skin or eyes may cause some temporary discomfort. Rinse thoroughly with water if the chemicals come in contact with your skin or eyes.
Flashing Blinky Lights-batteries.
