Of Pipe Cleaning

Children are quite fond of bending pipe cleaners into various shapes and for this reason, one may find pipe cleaners at craft stores. However, these are usually made with nylon bristles or some other non-absorbent material and are frequently longer, thicker, and available in many different colors. Their popularity in arts and crafts, and the comparative rarity of pipe-smoking, occasionally leads people to express genuine surprise (in spite of the name) that they have anything to do with smoking pipes. Nonetheless in some jurisdiction their sale is restricted, along with lighters and cigarette papers, as "tobacco paraphernalia."

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Explains why you see these bright pink pipe cleaners on children's shows - unless your friendly Gay Grand-Uncle has taken to smoking a pipe every now and again.