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From Condoms to Kitchen Sponges -- When Is It Time to Toss Them?

Holding on to many household products too long can lead to health problems. Here's how to avoid that (19 Photos)

Camille Noe Pagn on Mar 1, 2011 at 1:34AM

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From Condoms to Kitchen Sponges -- When Is It Time to Toss Them?

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Toss your tampons when ... the wrapper looks damaged.

“Because they’re little more than sanitized cotton, tampons are safe to use as long as the wrapper is in good condition,” explains Howard Kurtz, M.D., a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. However, if the wrapper is damaged, he says, there’s a chance the tampon could be contaminated with bacteria that could lead to vaginal irritation or even an infection.

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What household items do you often forget to replace?