page_title: Cotton swab
hierarchical_section_title: Cotton swab
context_page_description: Cotton swabs or cotton buds are handheld items that consist of one or two small wads of cotton wrapped around one or both ends of a short rod made of wood, rolled paper or plastic. They are most commonly used for ear cleaning, although this use is not recommended by physicians. Other uses include first aid, cosmetics application, cleaning, and arts and crafts. Concerns about marine pollution have led some countries to ban the plastic-stemmed versions in favour of biodegradable alternatives.
context_section_description: Cotton swabs (American English) or cotton buds (British English) are handheld items that consist of one or two small wads of cotton wrapped around one or both ends of a short rod made of wood, rolled paper or plastic. They are most commonly used for ear cleaning, although this use is not recommended by physicians. Other uses include first aid, cosmetics application, cleaning, and arts and crafts. Concerns about marine pollution have led some countries to ban the plastic-stemmed versions in favour of biodegradable alternatives.
caption: A pack of 54 Q-tips
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