Dangers of Glow in the Dark Necklaces

Glow-in-the-dark necklaces are a popular trinket for both kids and adults alike. The technology that provides the "glow" in the necklaces has been around for decades in many different forms, as it's actually the same reaction that fireflies use to create their glow. Every year, though, concerned parents and pet owners worry about the safety of glow in the dark toys, prompting frantic phone calls to poison control, area hospitals and veterinarians.

Skin

• The national poison control centers consider glow stick contents very safe in small doses. If contents of glow-in-the-dark necklaces, or other glow-in-the-dark trinkets, are exposed to skin it can cause mild skin irritation, stinging, redness and burning. The best way to treat it is to lather the affected area with soap and warm tap water and wash it until none of the chemical remains. A topical ointment can be applied afterward if desired.

Eyes

• If contents of the glow stick make contact with the eyes, it may cause intense pain burning and tearing. Tearing is the body's natural way of ridding the eyes of any foreign materials and should be encouraged. The eyes should then be washed out with warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. If discomfort continues past this point, it's wise to seek out the care of a doctor.

Oral Ingestion

• Oral ingestion of the contents of the glow stick may cause nausea and irritation of the mouth and throat. After exposure, the mouth should be rinsed out cleanly with water. The patient is then encouraged to drink ice water and eat ice cream if soreness persists. If the symptoms seem more severe than this or persist, seek medical attention promptly.

Animal Safety

• Animal Poison Control does not consider glow sticks to be a safety issue for pets. Ingestion may result in irritation and esophageal swelling, nausea and stomach upset, but nothing serious in small doses. Any questions can be directed to your veterinarian or the national animal poison control center: [phone].

Glass

• The reaction that causes the glowing is brought about by breaking a glass ampule. In the event that the plastic necklace is broken, there's a small chance that the tiny glass shards in the liquid medium could cause damage.