Practical Uses of Glow Sticks
Back in the 1970s, a group of scientists from Stamford, Conn. invented Cyalume and the way we light things up changed forever.They learned that peroxide and sodium could react to create chemical light. Glow sticks come in various sizes and have many useful applications in sports, decorating as well as education. Especially useful in situations where electric lighting won't work safely, glow sticks are also used by firefighters, doctors and rescue workers after an earthquake or other natural disasters.
Teaching tools
An ideal teaching aid, elementary school teachers often use glow sticks to safely introduce the chemical concept of bio-luminescence, a process whereby plants or animals use a chemical reaction to produce light. Many deep sea animals use the glow as a lure to attract prey animals or to attract a mate.
Disaster Relief
Disaster strikes suddenly. An earthquake or flood nearly destroys a town and power lines are down. Fire and rescue crews sift through the rubble looking for survivors and glow sticks mark the way. The Department of Homeland Security includes glow sticks as part of emergency rescue preparation equipment.
Electrical lights are unsafe in these situations because of the danger of gas leaks. A spark could cause an explosion.
As doctors triage disaster victims, colored glow sticks also help illuminate the triage tags on each patient, making it easier for the doctors to get to the worst injuries first.
Sports
Out in the Gulf of Mexico a fisherman casts for swordfish using a glow stick as bait. The light from the glow stick makes the bait look bigger, attracting more fish. These handy chemical lights are also useful to mark your position or simply to light up your boat in the dark.
Divers also use glow sticks when they explore the ocean. The sturdy long-lasting light makes it easy for the divers to keep track of each other, ensuring a safe dive. Instead of lugging heavy lights, just clip a glow stick onto your gear and dive.
Decorations
A fun and inexpensive way to illuminate outdoor gatherings and garden parties, you can hang glow sticks on trees or place them in paper lanterns that line your walkways. At Halloween, placing a colored glow stick in your carved pumpkin will give an added eerie glow.
Safety
Bikers use glow sticks to alert other motorists of their presence. Children carry glow sticks as they carol at Christmas or go trick or treating at Halloween. Glow sticks also make a great addition to home and car emergency kits. If your car breaks down, a glow stick can be used as a flare to warn other cars.
