BALLOON RELEASES AND THEIR AFFECT ON LIVING THINGS

OUR ENVIRONMENT

Q. Environmentalists say that rubber balloons are killing animals, birds and sea life if they are released into that atmosphere. Is that true?

A. No. This is a misrepresentation of the facts. There is no documented proof that any sea animal has died as a direct result of ingesting latex balloons. Rubber balloons, unlike plastic, are 100% biodegradable and begin degrading about one hour after inflation. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process but a combination of oxygen and ozone attack the natural rubber - even in the dark.

Q. I’ve heard balloons have been found in the stomachs of dead animals. Is this true?

A. Just about everything has been found in the stomachs of dead animals, however, here are some the facts with regard to latex balloons:

~ There is no known and proven death of sea life attributed to natural latex balloons. This should no be confused with plastic which, unlike balloons, is not immediately 100% biodegradable.

~ In a published case, a whale autopsy showed it had ingested a balloon. What was not reported was that it had pneumonia, a severe gash on the head and marks indicating it had been attacked by sharks. Before dying, it had also been pounded against a pier piling for six hours.

~ Sea turtles have been known to ingest and pass balloon fragments through their system without harm.

Q. Don’t balloons block the digestive system of animals?

A. Research conducted at the University of Miami found that the passing of latex corresponded with normal gut passing time. There is no documented proof that the death of a cow or other domestic animal has been attributed to choking on a balloon. Although it can be a powerful argument, it would be totally without foundation.

Q. What happens to balloons that are released into the air?

A. About 95% of balloons released into the atmosphere rise to an altitude of approximately five miles. The temperature here is about -20 degrees. The balloons actually freeze in the jet-stream and become brittle before shattering in a state called “brittle fracture” . These tiny fractured fragments then get carried off inside the jet-stream where decomposition begins almost immediately.

Q. There is a great deal of public community concern about balloon releases at major sporting venues and special events. Are these concerns valid?

A. Not when using 100% natural balloons. Our balloons are considered a natural product, grown from trees and they will degrade rapidly when exposed to the environment. The effect is similar to an oak leaf - it soon rots and re-enters the food chain. The EPA requests that plastic materials be avoided and to use only easily degradable materials when releasing balloons. Latex balloons fit this category.

Q. We all know the danger of plastics are to the environment. Why doesn’t that concern your services?

A. Most people are confused between “plastic” and “latex” and there is an enormous difference. To put it very simply, latex is a 100% natural and plastic is not,………not even close!

Q. Are all balloons the same?

A. No. There are basically two types of balloons - foil balloons and latex balloons. Foil balloons, (often referred to as Mylar), are bladders made of nylon, coated with aluminum. Latex balloons are a natural product made from sap from the rubber tree. Mylar balloons must never be used for balloon releases and we stress that only natural latex tied with natural raffia be used for balloon releases.   NO RIBBON NOR PLASTIC SEALER ATTACHED WILL EVER BE USED.

OUR HEALTH

Q. What about the chemicals used in balloons?

A. Rubber balloons are made of 100% latex. Latex is the solidified sap from a rubber tree and is non-toxic. Even the small quantities of dyes used to color balloons are non-toxic and can re-enter the food chain safely.

Q.  Surely there is a danger to health?

A. Take for example, Australia’s only manufacturer of balloons, Sanbrook Rubber. They have been producing balloons for over 35 years and using the same materials and in the same factory they produce baby pacifiers. This equates to millions of biological “tests”. The only reported reaction to latex is a rare protein allergy similar to a food allergy.

Q. Surely the helium gas used in balloons is a serious risk to health?

A. Pure grade helium is mixed with oxygen and given to deep sea divers to avoid getting “the bends” (it replaces nitrogen which dissolves in the blood and causes bubbles as the diver surfaces). It is totally non-toxic, non-explosive and inert and does not affect the ozone layer.

Q. Is breathing helium to create a “Donald Duck” party trick OK?

A. NO! It is not OK! Helium does not support life as it replaces the oxygen in the lungs and can cause unconsciousness, even death! A person can actually be asphyxiated through lack of oxygen. This party trick should be discouraged at all times. Helium is no laughing matter! It is a deadly game and not a fun, safe practice. Do not inhale balloon gas!

SOCIAL IMPACT

Q. Is the balloon industry being responsible?

A. All of the Balloon Associations worldwide, (BASA, IBA, etc.), strive to keep their members very well informed of public concerns on environmental and safety issues. All are greatly concerned about our environment and vehemently endorse those the use of latex materials only because:

1.) Latex is naturally produced from the sap of living trees. These trees help purify the air we breath

2.) The process is very labor intensive and income is produced as a result, which is distributed to developing nations.

3). There is a huge moral argument to support the latex industry, not the least is the production of condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and as a form of birth control.

Q. Aren’t balloon artists, manufacturers, retailers, etc. just being irresponsible to make a fast buck?

A. We maintain that they are being responsible when following all the fore mentioned guidelines and despite making a “fast buck”, world-wide, it is a billion dollar industry which is being pumped into our world-wide economy. Charities use the sale of balloons to raise much needed funds. Thousands of third world people derive income from the rubber latex industry who would otherwise be forced to find ways of making a living which could be harmful to the environment. Australia is famous for their celebratory use of balloons and have a network of balloon business who are all tax paying citizens.

Q. What about all the environmentalists?

A. We at our company consider ourselves to be very conscious environmentalists as well. We believe the concerns of the public are real and that they should not be misinformed. The real target should be plastic bags, six-pack rings, fishing line and foam cups and containers. The point of balloons is to celebrate, excite children, and memorialize, etc. and none of the above “real targets” would qualify to do that. Balloons come from the earth and may return to the earth and are possibly one of the safest products on the market.

Consider that using more natural products and planting more trees are the best way to combat the “greenhouse effect” and global warming.

Environmentalists need to know the facts and have the correct information on biodegradable latex balloons.