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Pediatric and Young Adult Exposure to Chemiluminescent Glow Sticks
Robert J. Hoffman, MD;
Lewis S. Nelson, MD;
Robert S. Hoffman, MD
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156:901-904.
Background Although chemiluminescent plastic rods, commonly called "glow sticks"
or "light sticks," are typically considered to be minimally toxic or nontoxic,
published data about exposure to these products are scarce.
Objectives To test our hypothesis that exposure to chemiluminescent products is
unlikely to result in significant morbidity or mortality and to describe factors
associated with exposure by reviewing reports to our urban poison control
center of human exposure to chemiluminescent products.
Methods Pediatric and young adult exposure to chemiluminescent products reported
between January 1, 2000, and April 1, 2001, to our poison control center were
evaluated with regard to demographic group, type of product involved, circumstances
of exposure, symptoms, and management.
Results Reported routes of exposure (n = 118) included ingestion (n = 108),
ocular (n = 9), and dermal exposure (n = 1). Only patients exposed to chemiluminescent
fluid from a leaking container reported symptoms (n = 27). Symptoms were limited
to transient irritation of the exposure site, and no systemic toxicity occurred.
All adults (n = 4) inadvertently ruptured or swallowed intact light sticks
while at a dance club or dance party. Most exposure and all adult exposure
occurred on holidays or weekends.
Conclusions Most incidences of exposure to chemiluminescent products involve asymptomatic
ingestion of fluid that leaks from glow sticks or ingestion of an intact glow
stick. Symptoms occur after exposure to chemiluminescent fluid and consist
of transient irritation at the site of exposure. The clustering of reported
exposure on weekends and in dance clubs and parties coupled with a lack of
occupational or workplace exposure suggest that recreational use is a major
contributory factor. Exposure to chemiluminescent products infrequently resulted
in symptoms and the symptoms reported were minor. Exposure to chemiluminescent
products as described is unlikely to cause significant morbidity or mortality.
From the Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn (Dr R. J. Hoffman) and the New York
City Poison Control Center, New York (Drs R. S. Hoffman and Nelson),
NY.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Poison control center protocols
Kemp
AAP News 2002;21:224-224.
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