Many of the items you can buy that glow in the dark are made of non-toxic and non-radioactive materials. They also do not need batteries or power to work. Most glow in the dark items will stay bright for up to 20 hours without needing to be recharged. Nevertheless, you should first charge these items by using UV light. Exposure to ultraviolet light will provide your glow in the dark items with an 80% charge, and ten minutes will give you a 100% charge.
The process behind this glow comes from the reaction of the chemical substance with light. The process of chemiluminescence is similar to the one used for glow sticks. In contrast, photoluminescence involves exposing a chemically treated object to light. There are many types of glow in the dark items on the market, from glow chemistry labs to glow in the dark spitballs.
These items are commonly found in stores and online. Some glow in the dark items can be used in crafts, or as decorations. For children, glow necklaces, drinking glasses, and other fun items can help brighten up the night. Children may also enjoy coloring books that explain the process of bioluminescence.
Phosphors are a common ingredient in glow in the dark items. The element is naturally found in certain materials, but chemists have made hundreds of artificial versions. They are made with a chemical reaction and emit light when exposed to UV light. These items will glow for a long time and remain bright when viewed in a dark room.
In order to create glow in the dark items, manufacturers have to look for substances that are able to emit long-term light. They then combine the phosphor with plastic and mould them into the shapes that consumers want. Some kids chase fireflies, others shake glow sticks, and others hang glow-in-the-dark stars from ceilings. The next time you see something that glows in the dark, try to figure out how it gets its light.
Green light is the most sensitive color to the human eye, so green glow in the dark items are best. Alternatively, use night vision goggles to make green glowing objects easier to view. For best results, charge the item before using it in the dark. You should also consider the ambient light around the item.
There are also risks associated with radioactive glowing compounds. Some radioactive substances emit alpha particles that are harmful to humans. These particles can damage DNA and cause cancer. Some glow in the dark products contain radium, which is a radioactive element. This element was used to create glow in the dark items in the early twentieth century.