ladylove, If you clean them properly, they are no less risky than regular ones. Regular tampons are not sterile. Even though cotton is biodegradable, the biodegrading isn't actually so good for the water systems. It's the same as throwing food away instead of composting it. Rotting stuff in water causes a chain of bacterial blooms that eventually kill wildlife and contribute toxins to our drinking water. Also, the production of regular tampons isn't good for the environment, but sea sponge harvesting is sustainable and harmless. Brandy, the planet is capable of supporting the people who live on it, but only if we change a lot of things (more than just tampons, and more than just a few people). We certainly don't all have to go for the sponges - I've heard the cups are spectacular, and they're a very different method. regular guy, I don't eat that meat anymore, not since I found out what happens to the people and animals involved in the industry, plus of course the consumer's end of things. Ewwww. Anyway, I didn't want to start an argument or anything, just wanted to say that I love mine and would recommend them to anyone considering an alternative!