Find out more about the following balloon issues:
Balloon Releases
Litter
Foil balloons
Latex
Myth: Balloon releases are harmful.
Fact: When executed properly, latex balloon releases are fine.
Often latex balloons are released. Research shows that most of these latex balloons -- the ones that are well-tied and have no structural flaws -- rise to an altitude of about five miles, where they freeze, breaking into spaghetti-like pieces that scatter as they return to earth.
Important facts you should know about latex balloon releases:
- Only latex balloons are used by professionals in mass releases. Industry guidelines require these balloons to be self-tied and have no attached strings or ribbons — each released balloon is 100 percent biodegradable.
- Rarely do released balloons return to the earth’s surface intact. Studies show these balloons usually rise to an altitude of about five miles. At that point, freezing and air pressure causes “brittle fracture” creating spaghetti-like pieces that scatter to the four winds.
- While some balloons don’t reach this altitude, research indicates that in an average 500-balloon release, the unexploded balloon return density is no greater than one per 15 square miles.
- Research shows that regardless of the latex balloon’s ultimate form when it lands, it will decompose, forming a natural soil nutrient at the same rate as that of an oak leaf.
Foil balloons should not be released, and should be secured to a weight.
Click here to view a study about the effect of balloon releases on the environment.
Myth: Balloons create a large amount of litter.
Fact: Latex balloons are biodegradable, and in fact do not make up for a large percentage of litter.
Balloons make up a miniscule proportion of litter found during organized cleanups that provide data on the types of litter. Balloon disposal labeling and good release management practices seem to be working well, as this data is also showing a downward trend in balloon litter.
Recently, during a U.S. Coastal Cleanup, balloons/balloon pieces accounted for less than 0.7% of the total debris collected.
Myth: Foil balloons cause more problems than they are worth.
Fact: Foil balloons should not be released, and the balloon industry is taking steps to educate retailers and consumers about appropriate use.
Foil balloons are usually silver and more costly than latex balloons. The product is a synthetic, metalized plastic/nylon material which is recyclable, but not biodegradable. Consequently, foil balloons are never used in a release.
Helium-filled foil balloons do get released accidentally, though. These incidents seem to be diminishing as a result of awareness campaigns to encourage anchoring these balloons with decorative weights. A major component of the Responsible Balloon Retailer program, an education campaign launched by The Balloon Council, is informing consumers of the problems associated with foil balloon releases, encouraging them to take care and be sure that these balloons remain securely tied to a weight.
Myth: Latex is dangerous
Fact: Most people do not suffer from latex allergies, and the balloon industry has created alternative products for those who are allergic.
Latex is the milky sap produced by rubber trees. Like many other natural things — bee sting venom, poison ivy, peanuts — latex can cause allergy problems ranging from minor skin irritation to reactions so severe that immediate emergency medical treatment is required to prevent death. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 94 percent of us probably will never have an allergic (anaphylactic) reaction to latex balloons.
The balloon industry is intent on providing products that are fun and safe for everyone and don’t conflict with the environment. Industry leaders recognize they have obligations to set industry operating standards that will help protect and preserve the environment, and provide consumers with information that will encourage them to use the product safely and responsibly and dispose of it properly.
