Why are orangewood sticks disposed of after use?

• A. They are reusable
• B. They can be disinfected
• C. They are porous and cannot be disinfected
• D. They are made of plastic

Answer: (C)

Orangewood sticks are typically disposed of after use primarily because they are porous, which makes it impossible to effectively disinfect them. The porous nature of the wood allows bacteria and other pathogens to penetrate into the small openings, where disinfectants cannot reach. Even if the surface appears clean, any contaminants present within the material can pose a risk for infection if the stick were to be reused. This is a crucial practice in safety and sanitation, especially in settings such as nail salons or health care environments, where strict hygiene standards are essential to prevent the transmission of germs.

In contrast, options suggesting they are reusable or can be disinfected do not align with the fundamental reasons for their disposal and hygiene practices. The assertion that they are made of plastic is also incorrect, as orangewood sticks are actually made from wood, further reinforcing the importance of proper disposal after a single use to maintain safety and sanitation standards.