The shift can be as much as 200 nm, but usually the range is about 20–100 nm longer than the absorption spectrum. The hook of the ChemLight is equipped with a hole which a cord can be passed through for hanging up. Each ChemLight green measures 15 cm (6 inches) and each lightstick is individually wrapped to protect it from light and moisture. Cyalume break-to-activate chemical light stick producing 12hrs of yellow/green light visable for up to 1nm. The emission spectrum of the first fluorophore and the absorption spectrum of the second one have to largely overlap, and the first one has to emit at shorter wavelength than the second one.

For example, in the mining industry, glow sticks are required for emergency evacuation in the case of a gas leak. A later 1976 patent [9] recommended a single glass ampoule that is suspended in a second substance, that when broken and mixed together, provide the chemiluminescent light.

There are specific industrial uses of glow sticks, which are often used as a light source in circumstances where electric lighting and LEDs are not best suited.

The Guinness Book of Records recorded the world's largest glow stick was cracked at 150 metres (492 ft 2 in) tall.

Glow sticks also serve multiple functions as toys, readily visible night-time warnings to motorists, and luminous markings that enable parents to keep track of their children. These are tactical lightsticks that have been used in armies, by law forces and rescue services for more than 45 years.