What Are Sea Sponges Used For?
Sea sponges, which are known scientifically as porifera, are multi-cellular marine animals found primarily in oceans and seas throughout the world. They are covered with tiny pores called ostia, which allow the sponges to take in water and food and discard waste.
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Natural Qualities
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People have harvested, collected and used sea sponges for centuries because of their great ability to absorb liquids and to soften when wet, as well as their naturally abrasive surfaces.
Main Areas for Harvesting
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Prime areas for commercial sea sponge harvesting are the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean, China, the South Pacific and the waters around Australia. Harvesters leave the base intact, which allows the sponge to re-grow within one to five years.
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Cleaning, Cosmetics, & Crafts Tool
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The sea sponge is used largely as a cleaning and applying tool. Many sea sponges are available commercially for washing and cleansing human skin or for applying cosmetics, while others are sold as tools for household and automobile cleaning or for use in arts and crafts.
Medicine
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The sea sponge also is used abundantly in medicine. Doctors use sea sponges while performing surgical procedures, and the bacteria found in sea sponges is used to produce pharmaceuticals.
Tampon Substitute
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Sea sponges also are used by women as substitutes for tampons. Sea Pearls, sold by the Jade & Pearl Inc., is one example.
Skin Sensitivity
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While sea sponges are a natural product, they may be too abrasive to use as a skin cleansing tool for some people. Consulting a medical professional is always advised before use.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of *~Dawn~*
