A new study states that natural, untreated cotton in tampons readily absorbs chemicals commonly used in toilet paper, laundry detergents and shampoos. It added that glow-in-the-dark tampons can be used to detect pollution present in lakes and rivers. Researchers from the University of Sheffield have shown that tampons can be used as tools to indicate where wastewater is polluting rivers and streams. These tampons, or rather glow-in-the-dark tampons work in the same manner as glowing t-shirts who shine under certain lighting in bars and clubs. These chemicals, which are known as optical brighteners, are used to enhance whites and brighten colors, and show up under ultra-violet (UV) light. Read more.