Matchsticks

A matchstick is a small, slender wooden stick with a combustible tip that is used to ignite a flame. They are typically sold in boxes or booklets and are widely used for lighting stoves, candles, campfires, and lighters. Modern matches are designed for safety and ease of use, and they come in various types, including strike-anywhere and safety matches.

Most matchsticks are made from softwoods such as aspen or birch. The match head contains an oxidizing agent and a combustible material, bound together with additives. The striking surface on the box or carton contains a friction agent and an ignition compound, often including red phosphorus in safety matches. When the match is struck, the friction generates enough heat to start the chemical reaction in the head, producing a flame that then sustains combustion of the match itself.

The history of matches begins in the 19th century. Early friction matches used white phosphorus and were hazardous. The development of safety matches in the mid-1800s, which separate the reactive phosphorus component from the head, reduced certain risks and led to large-scale production. In the 20th century, regulations restricted the use of dangerous substances and improved packaging and handling. Some jurisdictions ban or restrict strike-anywhere matches due to their potential for accidental ignition, while safety matches remain common.

Safety considerations include keeping matches out of reach of children, storing them away from heat and moisture, and disposing of them properly. Environmentally, matches rely on harvested wood and produce waste; tree-sourcing and recycling practices influence their ecological impact. Alternatives such as lighters or battery-powered igniters exist for many lighting needs.