I was doing a random Live Journal image search (contents may be NSFW) this morning, because that’s what I do at 4AM, and came across this:

Used condoms are being recycled into hair bands in southern China and selling well in local markets and beauty salons.

It only gets worse:

“These cheap and colourful rubber bands and hair ties sell well … threatening the health of local people,” reports the China Daily newspaper.

Despite being recycled, the hair bands could still contain bacteria and viruses.

“People could be infected with AIDS, warts or other diseases if they hold the rubber bands or strings in their mouths while weaving their hair into plaits or buns,” the paper quoted a local dermatologist as saying.