Re: What causes luminescence from residue of burned match striker

Hi, Dan – safety matches contain potassium chlorate in the head, and 
phosphorous sesquisulphide in the strip for striking the match. It is 
almost certainly the latter or a product from it, which is causing the 
effect you see, which is probably chemiluminescence. You are right to be 
somewhat concerned about the safety of this – I would suggest not doing 
this experiment on skin…

Here are a couple of web-sites to visit about matches and their evolution, 
as well as a hazard data sheet relating to the classification of chemicals 
to which phosphorous sesquisulphide belongs.

http://www.people.virginia.edu/~shj2n/case/class2/case3/matches.html

http://www.pipe-smokers.co.uk/Yester_Year/First_Light_1/first_light_1.htm

http://hazmat.dot.gov/erg2000/g139.pdf

If I were you, I’d pose your question direct to a manufacturer of safety 
matches and see what they have to say – especially about the safety issue 
but also they can probably be specific about the reactions you are causing.

If I can be of further help e-mail me at adamhh@dial/pipex.com