Cyalume Chemlights — 12-Hour Emergency Light Sticks

Field Brief

Cyalume® Chemlights — 12-Hour Emergency Light Sticks

Overview
Reliable light can become critical during emergencies, nighttime operations, or low-visibility environments. When electric lights fail, batteries die, or electronic equipment is not practical, chemical light sticks provide a simple and dependable source of illumination. They are widely used in military, tactical, and emergency preparedness environments because they function without electricity and activate instantly.

Cyalume® Chemlights are military-grade chemical light sticks designed to provide bright, consistent illumination for up to 12 hours. Once activated, they produce 360-degree light that remains visible over long distances. Their durable, waterproof construction allows them to function in demanding environments where traditional lighting may not be reliable.

How It Works
Chemlights generate light through a chemical reaction that begins when the internal glass ampule is snapped. This allows two chemical components inside the tube to mix, producing a stable glow without heat, flame, or electrical power.

Once activated, the entire tube emits light in all directions, creating 360-degree illumination that can be used for marking, signaling, or area lighting. Because the reaction is self-contained inside the sealed tube, the light stick continues glowing even in wet environments or underwater. The design requires no batteries, wiring, or switches, making activation simple even in stressful conditions.

Key Benefits

• Provides up to 12 hours of consistent chemical illumination
• Visible at long distances in low-light environments
• Waterproof construction functions in rain or underwater
• Non-flammable and non-toxic design improves safety during use
• Durable sealed tube resists damage during transport or storage
• No batteries or electrical components required for operation

Recommended Applications

• Emergency and disaster preparedness kits
• Vehicle and roadside emergency kits
• Nighttime search and rescue operations
• Tactical or training environments
• Wilderness and outdoor emergency kits
• Marking locations or hazards in low-visibility conditions

Why This Product
Electronic lighting is convenient but depends on batteries, switches, and electronics that can fail when they are needed most. Chemical light sticks provide a simple alternative that works reliably in harsh conditions. Once activated, they produce steady illumination without heat, flame, or electrical components.

Cyalume Chemlights are widely used in military and emergency environments because they are durable, long-lasting, and simple to operate. Their sealed design allows them to function in wet or extreme conditions where traditional lighting may fail. For emergency kits, trauma kits, and preparedness gear, chemical light sticks provide dependable illumination when other options are unavailable.

Specifications

Type: Chemical light stick
Illumination Duration: Up to 12 hours
Visibility: Up to approximately 1 mile
Construction: Waterproof sealed tube
Shelf Life: 4 years
Country of Origin: United States